Japan coach Moriyasu uses giant tactical board in World Cup draw with Netherlands

Japan's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu displayed an unusually large tactical board on the sidelines during the World Cup group‑stage match against the Netherlands on 14 June 2026. The match in Dallas ended in a 2‑2 draw after Japan came from behind twice.

Moriyasu and his assistant held up a whiteboard showing huge numbers such as “1, 3, 45” and the remaining stoppage time, which players used to adjust positions and tactics. The unconventional method attracted attention from media in Rwanda and China, highlighting the coach’s “novel” approach at the tournament's opening game.