Moriyasu set to stay on for Japan until Asian Cup 2027

Hajime Moriyasu is expected to remain Japan head coach until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup, with the arrangement set to run on a short-term basis, according to Nikkan Sports.

The Japanese newspaper says the Japan Football Association has asked the 57-year-old to stay on for the tournament in Saudi Arabia, and that Moriyasu has accepted the offer in principle. The report adds that there is already a verbal agreement in place.

Moriyasu had said after Japan’s last-16 defeat to Brazil at the 2026 World Cup that no decision had yet been made on his future. On the squad’s return, he also said he wanted time to rest before reviewing Japan’s World Cup campaign.

According to the report, the JFA does not plan to extend Moriyasu’s contract even if Japan win the Asian Cup. That would make the tournament his final competition in charge, with a new coach expected from the March 2027 international window.

If confirmed, the deal would leave Moriyasu in place for only about six months and for a maximum of 13 matches before the Asian Cup begins.