Japan FA Reportedly to Offer Moriyasu Hajime 1-Year Contract to Defend 5th Asian Cup Title

TOKYO, Jul. 2 (CNA) -- Following Japan's exit from the 2026 World Cup, the future of head coach Moriyasu Hajime has been a subject of intense speculation. According to Japanese media reports, the Japan Football Association (JFA) has decided to offer Moriyasu a contract extension, hoping he will continue to lead the team for one more year in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, aiming for Japan's fifth continental championship.

Sponichi Annex reported that the JFA has privately proposed a contract renewal to Moriyasu, offering a rare one-year deal. As the Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January to February next year, the JFA wishes to retain the current coaching staff to pursue the championship with the same team.

Although Moriyasu's team was eliminated by Brazil in the knockout stage, they advanced from the group stage with one win and two draws. The team displayed a high level of play against world powerhouses like the Netherlands and Brazil, earning the JFA's high regard for Moriyasu's coaching abilities.

JFA President Miyamoto Tsuneyasu, when interviewed by the media before returning to Japan, did not directly address the contract renewal issue, stating only, "This matter will be explained at an appropriate time. Some procedures are not yet complete, so it is inconvenient to disclose at this moment," but he did not deny the renewal plan.

It is understood that the JFA wants Moriyasu to lead the team for another year, after which current U-21 Japan representative coach Oiwa Go, who is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, would take over.

The 2027 Olympic qualifiers for Asia will be held, with only two spots available for the continent. Therefore, the JFA hopes Oiwa will focus on leading the U-21 team in their Olympic qualification bid next year, and officially take over the national team in 2028.

However, sources indicate that Moriyasu himself believes that Japan's new head coach should start now with a full four-year cycle to build a team for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, his decision on whether to accept the contract extension offer is being closely watched.

The report also revealed that the JFA had considered hiring a foreign coach and had even contacted Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham Hotspur to a Europa League title. However, due to the high cost of employment, estimated at 1 to 2 billion Japanese yen, and the JFA's desire to continue the "Japanese football" development direction pursued in recent years, they ultimately leaned towards appointing a domestic coach.

If an agreement is not reached between both parties, Moriyasu will step down, and Oiwa is likely to take over the national team earlier, also serving as the head coach of the U-21 representative team. (Editor: Tang Pei-chun) 111150702)