Japan uses new regulations to score goals, but coach warns against complacency in future

After Japan used football’s latest rule change to their advantage during a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland, coach Hajime Moriyasu warned his players that they could also be injured in the same way if they are not careful.

As part of a series of changes introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which will be implemented from the 2026-2027 season and during the World Cup, players will have 10 seconds to leave the pitch during substitutions.

If the player being substituted does not leave the field within 10 seconds, the substitute may only enter the field at the first interruption after one minute has elapsed after the restart and the referee gives him the signal.

That rule worked in Japan’s favor on Sunday, with Isak Thorvaldsson unable to come on for Kristian Hlynsson and Moriyasu’s side taking advantage by scoring through Koki Ogawa’s header in the 87th minute.

“I thought the players handled the new rule changes today with almost no problems,” Moriyasu told reporters.

«When we scored, I think Iceland was temporarily one player behind. Such situations can occur during substitutions, or when a player returns to the field after treatment.»

«Under the new rules, players won’t necessarily be able to get back on the field as quickly as before. That’s something we have to take into account. Whether during substitutions or at other times, we have to avoid creating openings that give the opponent an opportunity.»

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Three-minute hydration breaks have also been introduced in each half, with Moriyasu saying he and his assistant coaches must use that time efficiently to deliver instructions.

“In those three minutes we have to organize the key points we need to get across and communicate them clearly to the players,” the 57-year-old added.

«Of course, what can be delivered verbally, we will do verbally. ⁠The second half we used a whiteboard because there were some changes we wanted to discuss…

“I felt that how well we use those three minutes could have a big impact on the outcome of games, so we want to prepare thoroughly.”

Published on June 2, 2026