Moriyasu to coach Japan at Asian Cup: media

Hajime Moriyasu has signed a new deal to coach Japan at next year's Asian Cup, after taking them to the knockout stage at the World Cup, local media said Thursday.

Japanese media said the contract would expire after the Asian Cup, which takes place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5.

He will step down regardless of Japan's performance at the tournament and be succeeded by current Under-23 boss Go Oiwa, reports said, citing the Japan Football Association.

Moriyasu is Japan's longest-serving manager and took over after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 57-year-old led the team to shock wins over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup before losing on penalties to Croatia in the last 16.

He took them to the round of 32 at this year's World Cup in North America, where they went out after conceding an injury-time winner in a 2-1 defeat to Brazil.

Moriyasu has also coached Japan at two Asian Cups, a Copa America and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where they finished fourth.

Japan have been drawn in F at the Asian Cup and will face defending champions Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia.

Japan have won the tournament a record four times, most recently in 2011.

They were eliminated by Iran in the quarter-finals of the 2024 tournament in Qatar.