Japan keep Moriyasu to lead at Asian Cup as Oiwa lined up as successor

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will remain in charge of the national team through to the end of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, with Olympic team boss Go Oiwa already chosen to succeed him immediately after the tournament.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed on Thursday that Oiwa, currently head coach of the Olympic side, will take over the senior “Samurai Blue” as soon as Japan’s campaign at the Asian Cup concludes.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2027 Asian Cup in January next year.

Clear succession plan

In a statement, the JFA said Oiwa will step into the senior role “directly after the curtain comes down” on the Asian Cup, ensuring a seamless handover from Moriyasu.

The governing body underlined that Oiwa’s main task will be to guide Japan through the next cycle, with a particular focus on securing qualification for the 2030 World Cup.

At the same time, the JFA stressed that the 54-year-old will continue to oversee Japan’s Under-23 and Under-21 national teams, maintaining his current responsibilities while preparations continue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Long-serving Moriyasu extended

Moriyasu has been in charge of the senior national side since 2018, making him one of Japan’s longest-serving head coaches in recent decades.

Under his leadership, Japan reached the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup before exiting in the last 32. They were eliminated by Brazil, conceding a decisive goal in stoppage time.

The decision to retain Moriyasu until the conclusion of the Asian Cup while simultaneously naming his successor reflects the JFA’s desire for continuity both in the short term, heading into the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia, and in the longer term, as attention turns to the 2030 World Cup and the next Olympic cycle.