# Moriyasu extension; Oiwa set to succeed > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-football-coach-moriyasu-future > Updated: 2026-08-19T09:30:21.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 8. Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu signed a six-month extension on 23 July 2026, keeping him in charge through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The JFA board described the short deal as a bridge to the next phase of the national programme. Following the 2026 World Cup, where Japan reached the round of 16, Moriyasu confirmed during a television appearance on 10 August 2026 that he will step down after the Asian Cup. He stated he has no plans to extend his contract beyond the tournament and noted that pursuing coaching opportunities with overseas clubs is ‘within my sights’. This potential move follows developments between UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation regarding coaching licenses. On 19 August 2026, the JFA confirmed that Moriyasu and his seven-member coaching staff—including Hiroshi Nanami, Shunsuke Nakamura, and Makoto Hasebe—will remain in their roles through the 2027 Asian Cup. After the Asian Cup, U-21 manager Go Oiwa is set to assume the senior role from March 2027 and remain in charge through the 2030 World Cup cycle, while also continuing to lead the U-21 side for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Oiwa, 54, has overseen the youth team since 2021, winning two AFC U-23 Asian Cups and securing Paris 2024 Olympic qualification. Japan will enter the Asian Cup in Group F with Indonesia, Qatar and Thailand, aiming to win its first title since 2011. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Japan Football Association confirms Moriyasu coaching staff through 2027 The JFA has confirmed Hajime Moriyasu and his coaching staff will lead the Japan national team through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. New AFC club competition slots and youth development ties with UEFA were also noted 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-football-association-confirms-moriyasu-coaching-staff-through-2027 ### 2026-08-10: Hajime Moriyasu to step down as Japan manager after 2026 Asian Cup Japan national football team manager Hajime Moriyasu has confirmed he will step down after the 2026 Asian Cup and expressed interest in coaching overseas clubs in the future. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hajime-moriyasu-to-step-down-as-japan-manager-after-2026-asian-cup ### 2026-07-27: Japan Football Association extends Moriyasu's tenure by six months Japan's football federation extends Hajime Moriyasu's contract for six months, after which Go Oiwa will assume the senior team role post‑Asian Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-football-association-extends-moriyasus-tenure-by-six-months ### 2026-07-23: Japan Football Association Extends Moriyasu Tenure and Names Oiwa Successor for 2030 World Cup Cycle JFA extends Hajime Moriyasu’s contract to the 2027 Asian Cup and appoints U‑21 boss Go Oiwa as his successor from March 2027, targeting the 2030 World Cup while retaining Oiwa’s role for the 2028 Olympics. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-retains-coach-hajime-moriyasu-through-2027-asian-cup-oiwa-slated-to-succeed ### 2026-07-21: Japan retains coach Hajime Moriyasu for third term as Korean legend urges his hire Japan’s FA approved a third term for coach Hajime Moriyasu through the Asian Cup, while a Korean legend has urged hiring him to replace South Korea’s resigning coach. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-retains-coach-hajime-moriyasu-for-third-term-as-korean-legend-urges-his-hire ### 2026-07-09: Japan extends Moriyasu contract; France advances to World Cup semi‑finals Japan extends coach Moriyasu through the Asian Cup, while France beats Morocco 2‑0 to reach the World Cup semi‑finals. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-extends-moriyasu-contract-france-advances-to-world-cup-semifinals ### 2026-07-02: Japan's national team coach Hajime Moriyasu eyes contract extension Japan's FA is set to offer coach Hajime Moriyasu a one‑year extension after he led the team to the World Cup round of 16, with the decision pending as he considers his future. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-national-team-coach-hajime-moriyasu-eyes-contract-extension ### 2026-06-15: Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu thanks Dutch mentors after 2-2 World Cup draw Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu thanked Dutch mentors after a 2-2 World Cup draw and became the subject of a viral “Death Note” meme about his tactical notebook. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-coach-hajime-moriyasu-thanks-dutch-mentors-after-2-2-world-cup-draw --- Cite as: Moriyasu extension; Oiwa set to succeed. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-football-coach-moriyasu-future