Japan names Goh Ooiwa as new manager! Dual role with Olympics ahead of 2030 World Cup

Goh Ooiwa (54) has been appointed as the new manager of the Japan national team. He will succeed Hajime Moriyasu (57) and take charge from March next year while also coaching the U-21 team aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Japan Football Association revealed that the unusual six-month contract extension offered to Moriyasu was designed to facilitate this transition.

Ooiwa's background and achievements

Ooiwa led the U-23 team to the quarter-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won back-to-back Asian Cups with a team of 21-year-olds. Continuing the Japanese coaching tradition established by Vahid Halilhodžić (71) at the 2018 Russia World Cup, Ooiwa will now steer Japan towards the 2030 World Cup.

Significance of the dual role

The JFA considered foreign coaches but ultimately decided to maintain the Japanese approach pioneered by Halilhodžić. Ooiwa visited Japan's World Cup base camp in Nashville during the tournament, building a strong relationship with Moriyasu. This ensures continuity in the team's foundation post-transition.

Future outlook

Japan's recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches (LDWDW). Their last game ended in a 1-2 defeat to Brazil on June 29. Ooiwa recognizes the need for generational change as the Tokyo 2021 Olympic squad, who were mainstays under Moriyasu, will be in their 30s by the 2030 World Cup.