Japan retains Moriyasu: His successor has also been named
The Japan Football Association has decided to continue its cooperation with national team head coach Hajime Moriyasu. The specialist will lead the national team until the conclusion of the Asian Cup, which will take place in early 2027.
At the same time, the JFA has also pre-determined who will take over the position after Moriyasu. The coaching transition in the national team will be carried out in stages.
Moriyasu to stay until the Asian Cup
According to the official statement from the Japan Football Association, Hajime Moriyasu will remain in the head coach position until the end of the Asian Cup, which will be held in January–February 2027.
Thus, the specialist will lead the Japan national team in the next major continental tournament as well.
This decision by the association shows that a plan has been chosen to prepare for the next competition with the current coach, rather than making drastic changes to the team.
Who will lead the team after Moriyasu?
After the Asian Cup, the head coaching position of the Japan national team will be handed over to Go Oiwa.
He is currently managing the country's U21 national team. According to the JFA plan, Oiwa will serve in both positions simultaneously for a certain period.
Coach | Position | Planned duration |
|---|---|---|
Hajime Moriyasu | Japan national team head coach | Until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup |
Go Oiwa | Japan U21 and future national team coach | After the Asian Cup |
This decision allows for a gradual transition of the specialist working with the youth team to the senior squad.
What was the result at the World Cup?
Japan participated in Group F at the last World Cup, collecting 5 points at the end of the matches.
The team finished second in the group and advanced to the knockout stage. However, they lost 1:2 to Brazil in the Round of 16.
Despite this result, the football association decided to give Moriyasu the opportunity to lead the team in another major tournament.
Coaching transition in Japan planned in advance
In many national teams, coaching changes are made urgently following results. Japan, however, chose the path of organizing the transition systematically by pre-determining the next head coach.
Now, the main task for Moriyasu is to achieve a high result in the Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Go Oiwa will continue his work with the U21 team while preparing to take over the national team.
Do you think Japan made the right decision by keeping Moriyasu until the Asian Cup? Leave your opinion in the comments.
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