Japan to Attack Netherlands in World Cup Opener, Coach Moriyasu Says

Japan's national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has declared that his squad will adopt an attacking approach in their upcoming match against the Netherlands. Speaking at a press conference in Arlington, Texas, ahead of their first Group F game in the 2026 World Cup, Moriyasu stressed that offensive play is fundamental to their strategy.

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To win, we have to shoot at the goal. We start from our own strengths, our conditions, and we want to attack; that will be the basic idea tomorrow.

"To win, we have to shoot at the goal. We start from our own strengths, our conditions, and we want to attack; that will be the basic idea tomorrow," Moriyasu stated. He referenced the team's impressive victories against Brazil and England earlier in the year, highlighting their resilience and tenacity as key qualities. However, he clarified that these attributes do not translate to a defensive playing style.

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It was for medical reasons. I looked at the time he needed to recover, to stay with the team or not, and as head of the national team, I made a decision.

Moriyasu remained tight-lipped about the specific starting lineup, indicating a final decision would be made on the morning of the match. He also addressed the recent withdrawal of captain Wataru Endo, explaining it was a medical decision. Endo subsequently announced his retirement from the national team, a move that surprised Moriyasu. "When I communicated the decision to Wataru, the reaction I received from him was different from what I could imagine. I felt bad about how I told him," the coach admitted. He then confirmed the appointment of Ajax defender Ko Itakura as the new captain, citing his strong understanding and communication skills both on and off the field.

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When I communicated the decision to Wataru, the reaction I received from him was different from what I could imagine. I felt bad about how I told him.