Japan's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu eyes contract extension

Japanese men's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu said he needs a short break to reflect on the team's World Cup performance before deciding whether to stay on as selector. "I think I will take a short break now, then I will have to think about the tournament properly," he told reporters.

The Japan Football Association is reportedly preparing to offer Moriyasu a one‑year contract extension, which could keep him in charge for the upcoming Asian Cup. He led Japan to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where they lost 1‑2 to four‑time champions Brazil, and has been in charge since 2018, also guiding the side to the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.