Japan plans Go Oiwa coach after Asian Cup

The Japan Football Association confirmed that Hajime Moriyasu will remain as the national team coach through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, after which Go Oiwa is slated to take over the senior team. Moriyasu, in charge since 2018, led Japan to the World Cup round of 32 in the 2026 tournament in North and Central America, where they were eliminated by Brazil in stoppage time. Oiwa, currently the under-21 manager, will assume the senior role from March next year and will also lead the U-21 side as Japan pursues the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The JFA highlighted that Moriyasu would be the first Japanese manager to guide the national team across three consecutive World Cup cycles. Reports indicate Moriyasu will step down after the Asian Cup, with Oiwa taking over the dual roles to oversee both senior and U-21 programs in the coming years. The leadership transition reflects a plan to maintain continuity as Japan prepares for future tournaments including the 2030 World Cup.