Baghdad: The Japan Football Association has announced a significant change in leadership for the national football team. Hajime Moriyasu will remain as head coach until the end of the Asian Cup next year in Saudi Arabia, at which point he will be succeeded by Go Oiwa, the current coach of the under-23 team.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Moriyasu, who took the helm in 2018, recently led Japan to the round of 32 in the World Cup, where they were defeated by Brazil 2-1 in stoppage time. The transition in coaching is set to occur after the continental tournament in February, with Oiwa stepping up to lead the senior team.

The Japan Football Association's statement emphasized that Oiwa will be responsible for guiding the national team as they aim to qualify for the 2030 World Cup. At 54, Oiwa is a former Japanese international who will continue his dual role as coach of the under-23 and under-21 national teams as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.