Japan Eliminated from World Cup, Coach Moriyasu Says Team Proved It Can Compete with World Powers

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, July 2nd) The Japanese national soccer team has concluded its World Cup journey and returned to Japan today, receiving a warm welcome from fans. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu stated that the Japanese team has proven its ability to compete with the world's top powers, but also clearly recognized the shortcomings in individual player abilities and tactical aspects, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. He believes that with sustained growth, "Japan will surely become the world's number one someday."

The Japanese team reached the Round of 16 in this World Cup, losing 1-2 to five-time champions Brazil in the first knockout stage and failing to advance. The players returned to Japan by plane from the United States this afternoon. Hundreds of fans gathered at Narita Airport to welcome them, with many shouting "Thank you" and "You worked hard," expressing their appreciation and support.

Moriyasu held a press conference with Japan Football Association (JFA) President Kozo Tashima and national team technical director Yasuharu Sorimachi in the evening to summarize the team's performance in this tournament.

Moriyasu first expressed his gratitude to the fans who have consistently supported the team. He said that throughout the World Cup, fans from Japan and abroad provided strong support, allowing the entire team to challenge world-class opponents without fear.

He also revealed, "This is my third World Cup, and I believe the fans' singing of the Japanese national anthem was the loudest it has ever been."

Reflecting on this tournament, Moriyasu pointed out that the Japanese team achieved both results and challenges on the world's highest stage. "Although there were regrets in the end, through the three group stage matches and the encounter with the world's top team, Brazil, I deeply felt that the results accumulated over many years of Japanese football are sufficient to compete head-to-head with strong teams on the world stage."

He stated, "We participated in the World Cup with the goal of winning the championship. As long as we can continue to grow like this, I believe we will surely become the world's number one someday."

However, he also admitted that while the final match against Brazil showed many bright spots, he deeply realized that there are still many areas that need improvement, both in individual player abilities and the team's overall tactics. This is also the direction the team must continue to strive for in the future.

Regarding his feelings after elimination, Moriyasu frankly said, "I am extremely disappointed." He added, "After losing to Brazil, I rewatched the game and kept thinking that if my in-game adjustments had been better, perhaps I could have led the team to victory. Therefore, I feel particularly regretful about this loss."

As for future plans, Moriyasu said, "I will take a short break first, and then the most important thing is to thoroughly review and summarize this World Cup. Currently, this is the only confirmed matter."

Regarding the widely discussed topic of the next head coach for the Japanese team, Tashima stated that the association will follow its established procedures to select the next head coach and will not comment on any hypothetical questions at this time.

Tashima also affirmed the team's overall performance in this tournament, believing that the Japanese team has demonstrated the ability to compete with world powers, and even some players have suppressed world-class opponents in individual duels. However, he also emphasized that Japanese football still needs to continue promoting youth development, talent cultivation, and player enhancement to nurture more players with world-class competitiveness, enabling further progress in future World Cups. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150702)