Japan to Appoint Takeshi as New National Football Coach Next Year, Media Calls Decision Rare

Japan's national football team is set to undergo a coaching change, with U21 coach Takeshiinstead of Hajime Moriyasu taking the helm starting March next year. Moriyasu, who has led the "Samurai Blue" since 2018 and guided them to the Round of 16 in two World Cups, will continue his tenure until the conclusion of the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January and February.

The Japanese Football Association's decision to name a successor before the current coach's contract ends is a rare move, according to Kyodo News. This提前 appointment signals a shift in strategy for the national team following their exit from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 32.

Moriyasu, 57, achieved notable success, including leading Japan to the knockout stage in the 2022 Qatar World Cup after defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage. In the expanded 2026 World Cup, Japan advanced to the Round of 32 with one win and two draws but were eliminated by Brazil.

The incoming coach, 51-year-old Takeshi, has prior experience coaching J.League club Kashima Antlers, winning the AFC Champions Elite League in 2018. He also led the Japanese team to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics.