Japan National Football Team Coach Moriyasu to Continue Through 2027 Asian Cup
It has been revealed that Hajime Moriyasu (57), head coach of the Japan national football team, will continue to lead the team even after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Japan Football Association (JFA) has finalized a policy to sign a contract with Coach Moriyasu that lasts until the Asian Cup, which will be held in early 2027.
This contract will take the highly unusual form of a "six-month" extension following the World Cup. Typically, contracts for national team coaches end at the conclusion of major tournaments like the World Cup. However, since the Asian Cup is scheduled shortly after the World Cup, a short-term extension was decided upon to prioritize team stability.
This contract also includes special conditions. Even if the Japan national team wins the 2027 Asian Cup, Coach Moriyasu's contract is not expected to be extended further. A new coach is set to take over the team starting in March 2027, following the conclusion of the tournament.
Coach Moriyasu has been leading the Japan national team since 2018 and has fostered the team's growth over a long period. Many fans are watching closely to see what kind of performance he will deliver heading toward the 2026 World Cup and the subsequent Asian Cup.