Japan's Coaching Future
Japan Plans Go Oiwa as Next Senior Coach, Extending Moriyasu Through 2027 Asian Cup
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Key Points
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Go Oiwa's track record includes winning the 2018 AFC Champions League with Kashima Antlers and notable youth-team successes, such as the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup title and back-to-back U-23 Asian Cup titles in 2024 and 2026, plus guiding Japan's Olympic team to the Paris 2024 quarterfinals.
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The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia (Jan 7–Feb 5, 2027), with Japan drawn in Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia; Japan's group opener is scheduled against Indonesia on January 11.
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Moriyasu was given a six-month contract to lead Japan through the 2027 Asian Cup, with the JFA board formally confirming his retention; he is noted as the first Japanese manager to guide the national team across three consecutive World Cup cycles.
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Moriyasu's tenure includes notable World Cup moments such as 2022 wins over Germany and Spain, contributing to Japan's knockout-stage runs, and the 2026 campaign ending with a stoppage-time loss to Brazil in the round of 32.
Japan has a clear plan for its football future. The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed that Hajime Moriyasu will stay on as national team coach through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, then hand the reins to Go Oiwa, according to Idaho State Journal. Oiwa, currently in charge of Japan's Under-21 side, will take over the senior team starting March next year.
Moriyasu's exit marks the end of a long run. He has led Japan since 2018, guiding the team through three straight World Cup cycles — a first for any Japanese manager. His latest campaign ended in a stoppage-time loss to Brazil in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, Post Register reported.
Moriyasu's Six-Month Extension Leads to Saudi Arabia
The JFA board gave Moriyasu a short-term deal to finish the job. His new contract runs only through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which takes place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027. Japan was drawn into Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Their opening match is against Indonesia on January 11, according to HNG News.
Moriyasu's tenure has had big moments. Japan beat both Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, shocking the football world. He became the first Japanese manager ever to lead the national team across three consecutive World Cup cycles. The JFA formally confirmed his retention ahead of the Asian Cup campaign, Idaho Press reported.
Go Oiwa's Youth Record Makes Him the Chosen Successor
Oiwa is not an unknown quantity. He won the 2018 AFC Champions League with Kashima Antlers at club level. With Japan's youth teams, his results speak loudly. He led Japan to back-to-back AFC U-23 Asian Cup titles in 2024 and 2026. He also guided Japan's Olympic team to the quarterfinals at the Paris 2024 Games, according to Yakima Herald.
Oiwa will carry a double responsibility after taking over. He will manage both the senior national team and the U-21 side. That dual role is designed to help Japan build toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The JFA sees a clear thread running from the youth program straight to the senior squad.
A Deliberate Transition Built Around Future Tournaments
The leadership switch is not abrupt — it is by design. The JFA laid out the plan so that Oiwa can step in smoothly from March next year. Japan's eyes are already on the 2030 World Cup. Keeping continuity between the youth and senior programs is central to that goal, HNG News reported.
Moriyasu leaves with a strong legacy. His teams reached the knockout rounds at two straight World Cups. The 2026 exit to Brazil hurt, but it came deep in the tournament. Japan is now one of Asia's top footballing powers, and the JFA is betting that Oiwa can push them even further.
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