Cha was not selected for the 2014 World Cup but was called up to play in the 2015 Asian Cup. Cha played his last international cap against Australia in the tournament's final match where Australia won 2–1. He announced his international retirement after the match. Following this, Cha was named in the AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament. He was called up again for a final international match in a friendly against New Zealand in a testimonial match, where he received a standing ovation following his substitution at half time.