Moriyasu continues as Japan coach ahead of Asian Cup, replaced by Oiwa
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 9:54 AM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan's national soccer coach through the Asian Cup, according to reports from Japanese media. His contract, which has been renewed for the tournament in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will end after the competition, regardless of results. Go Oiwa, currently coaching the Under-23 team, is set to succeed Moriyasu afterward. Moriyasu's tenure has seen Japan reach the knockout stages of major tournaments, including the recent World Cup, where they exited in the round of 32 after a loss to Brazil.
- •Moriyasu extends his contract for the Asian Cup in January 2027.
- •Japan will compete in Group F against Qatar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- •Oiwa to take over as head coach after the Asian Cup.
- •Japan's last Asian Cup title was in 2011.
- 9:54 AMYahoo Sports — Reports: Moriyasu to continue as Japan coach and replaced after Asian Cup by Oiwa
- 9:53 AMYahoo Sports — Moriyasu to coach Japan at Asian Cup: media
"Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will continue through next year's Asian Cup and then step away, Japanese media reported on Thursday. The Japan Football Association met over the coaching position on Thursday and local media reported that Go Oiwa, who has managed Japan Under-23s, will take over the top team after the Asian Cup. At the World Cup, Moriyasu guided his team to the round of 32 before losing 2-1 to five-time champion Brazil.
"Hajime Moriyasu has signed a new deal to coach Japan at next year's Asian Cup, after taking them to the knockout stage at the World Cup, local media said Thursday.Moriyasu has also coached Japan at two Asian Cups, a Copa America and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where they finished fourth.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 9:54 AMReports: Moriyasu to continue as Japan coach and replaced after Asian Cup by Oiwa
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will continue through next year's Asian Cup and then step away, Japanese media reported on Thursday. The Japan Football Association met over the coaching position on Thursday and local media reported that Go Oiwa, who has managed Japan Under-23s, will take over the top team after the Asian Cup. At the World Cup, Moriyasu guided his team to the round of 32 before losing 2-1 to five-time champion Brazil.
- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 9:53 AMMoriyasu to coach Japan at Asian Cup: media
Hajime Moriyasu has signed a new deal to coach Japan at next year's Asian Cup, after taking them to the knockout stage at the World Cup, local media said Thursday.Moriyasu has also coached Japan at two Asian Cups, a Copa America and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where they finished fourth.
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