Moriyasu to stay until January–February 2026 Asian Cup
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu will remain in charge for another six months through the 2026 Asian Cup, he confirmed at a Tokyo press conference on July 24, 2026. The decision comes after Japan’s North America 2026 World Cup ended at the Round of 32, with Moriyasu vowing to ‘give my best to produce results within the contract period and set the stage for what comes next.’
Japan’s most recent outing was a 2-1 loss to Brazil on June 29, 2026, and their last five matches read LDWDW (two wins, two draws, one defeat), a run without momentum.
Why the six-month extension?
JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said the extension was calculated ‘backwards from winning the Asian Cup.’ The incoming boss, Tsuyoshi Oiwa (45), will focus on the U-21 side that starts in September 2026 at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, clearing the way for Moriyasu through January–February 2026. Miyamoto added the move was part of a broader push for ‘continuity and evolution’ in Japanese football.
Moriyasu’s review and next steps
Moriyasu called the North America 2026 World Cup exit ‘a finish at the Round of 32’ but stressed he would ‘give my best to produce results within the contract period and set the stage for what comes next.’ Japan now turns its focus to the Asian Cup, where Moriyasu must steady a ship that has struggled for rhythm.
The logic behind the staffing change
Miyamoto said foreign coaches were also considered, but the federation ultimately chose ‘continuity and evolution.’ Oiwa will build the U-21 side while laying foundations for the senior team’s future. Japan now enters a rebuilding phase under Moriyasu ahead of the Asian Cup, with the June 29 loss to Brazil still fresh in the memory.
