Who is Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu at the 2026 World Cup?

Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge of Japan since the 2018 World Cup and despite not winning any major honours, he has helped Japan maintain their status as one of, if not the best, teams in Asia.

His dual role as coach of the Under-23 men’s team from 2017 to 2021 has helped identify a young but experienced crop of players who are not just traveling to compete, but instead taking on the heavyweights.

Hajime Moriyasu’s track record as a manager:

• Total number of matches: 387

• Wins: 209

• Draws: 73

• Losses: 105

• Win percentage: 54.01

Hajime Moriyasu’s track record as Japan manager:

• Total number of matches: 104

• Wins: 73

• Draws: 14

• Losses: 17

• Win percentage: 70.19

What did Hajime Moriyasu say before the Netherlands versus Japan?

“We have to survive this stage no matter what, but at the same time I see that it is a very difficult group,” said Moriyasu, who made Japan into the last 16 at the final in Qatar. “The top of the top talent can be found in the Dutch team.

«In terms of the actual matches, any team from this group could win. Tunisia had a clean sheet in the qualifiers, and Sweden also has top level players, top level strikers.»

«So we don’t know who will survive from this group. It’s really hard to predict.»

Published on June 14, 2026