Japan Football Association confirms Moriyasu coaching staff through 2027

The Japan Football Association (JFA) has confirmed that head coach Hajime Moriyasu and his existing coaching staff will continue their roles through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The seven-member staff includes Hiroshi Nanami, Shunsuke Nakamura, and Makoto Hasebe, all of whom served during the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.

In related organizational updates, the JFA announced new qualification slots for the AFC Champions League Elite and ACL2. Based on Japan's top ranking in the AFC club rankings, the J1 League champions, runners-up, and third-place finishers will receive direct entry into the ACL Elite, while the fourth and fifth-place teams will enter via preliminary stages.

Additionally, the JFA is strengthening its ties with UEFA. The Japan U-16 national team is scheduled to participate in a series of international friendly matches in Cyprus this October, joining a group that includes Cyprus, Romania, and the Faroe Islands. This initiative aims to provide youth players with high-level European competitive experience.