Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japanese national soccer team, is expected to lead the squad through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in January next year.
Japan’s Nikkan Sports reported on Thursday that Moriyasu has accepted a six-month contract extension from the Japan Football Association. This means he’ll be at the helm for the Asian Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia next January.
Moriyasu’s contract was initially slated to end after the 2026 North American World Cup. Prior to the tournament, there was speculation about either a four-year extension or letting the contract expire. However, after Japan’s 1-2 loss to Brazil in the Round of 32, talks of a long-term extension quieted down.
Despite Moriyasu’s position becoming less secure, the Japan Football Association, eyeing their first Asian title in 16 years, has decided to stick with him for now.
Moriyasu took over the national team following the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Under his guidance, Japan reached the Round of 16 in the 2022 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup, notching impressive wins against Germany and Spain. They also held their own in the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers, securing draws against powerhouses like the Netherlands and Sweden to advance to the Round of 32.
While Moriyasu will lead the team through the Asian Cup, it appears this will be his final stint. Nikkan Sports indicates that regardless of Japan’s performance in the tournament, a new coach will take the reins starting March next year.
The contract between the Japan Football Association and Moriyasu is expected to be finalized after the board meeting on July 23.