“This is incredible!” Even on-site reporters were impressed by Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s skills—clubs around the world are set to compete for his services after the World Cup

Thoroughly Eliminating Personal Ego

At the CONCACAF World Cup, Japan finished second in Group F to advance to the knockout stage.

After drawing 2-2 with “powerhouse” Netherlands in their opener, they followed up with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia. In their match against Sweden on June 26, they secured a solid 1-1 draw, bringing their total to “5” points. Their first knockout-round match will pit them against Brazil, the “soccer powerhouse.”

Japan lost key players such as Kaoru Mitoma (29) and Wataru Endo (33) just before the tournament. During the tournament, Kubo Takefusa (25) also injured his left knee and has been training separately.Given that they were able to advance through the group stage with ease despite a lineup that was far from at full strength, it’s fair to say that the level of Japanese soccer has risen in recent years.

While there is already talk of forward Ayase Ueda (27), who scored two goals against Tunisia, moving to a major European club, we must not forget the skill of head coach Hajime Moriyasu (57).

At the Qatar tournament four years ago, they pulled off giant-killing victories against Germany and Spain in the group stage, stunning the world.

In this tournament as well, their intense pressing from the front line and organized defense have caused their opponents great difficulty. The Netherlands’ Van Dijk, a world-class center back, remarked:

“Japan was extremely disciplined, and their midfield defense was very compact and solid,”

. Sweden’s forward Isak, who was under tight marking, said,

“They’re highly organized. The moment I got the ball, it felt like I was surrounded by three or four players,”

, he reflected. A soccer insider familiar with Coach Moriyasu commented:

“Coach Moriyasu prioritizes team unity and thoroughly eliminates individual egos. Everyone works toward the team’s victory. Even when key players like Mitoma, Endo, and Kubo are absent, their replacements step up to minimize any drop in the team’s strength.The coach repeatedly emphasizes the phrase ‘stay calm’ and dislikes any sign of nervousness. To put it bluntly, he is by no means aiming for entertaining soccer. This rigorous coaching has borne fruit, and Japan no longer suffers major collapses. His managerial skills deserve greater recognition.”

Going into the match against Sweden with “4” points, he left defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (27) and midfielder Kaishu Sano (25) out of the starting lineup. These two are key players in shutting down Brazil’s star forward Vinícius, whom they’ll face in their next match. Online,

“He deliberately rested the two players with an eye toward the next match,”

“He didn’t want to reveal his strategy,”

—opinions speculating on his true intentions poured in. A soccer reporter for a sports newspaper covering the tournament on-site also testified to our site as follows:

His eyes weren’t smiling

“Ritsu Doan (28), Keito Nakamura (25), and Ueda—who had all started three consecutive matches against Sweden—were also substituted midway through the game to prepare for the next match.In the 30th minute of the second half, he brought on Yuto Nagatomo (39), setting the stage for his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance. Given that a loss could have dropped us to third place, I was amazed he could pull that off—and with such a calm demeanor, no less. Looking back on it, it was actually a pretty risky move (laughs). I can’t help but think Coach Moriyasu can see into the future.”

Nagatomo said of Coach Moriyasu:

“His eyes don’t smile. That’s why we stay focused,”

The soccer reporter mentioned earlier also said:

“He seems gentle, but he’s someone who judges situations with a calmness that’s almost scary,”

.

Some reports suggest that if Japan beats Brazil, Coach Moriyasu will remain at the helm of the national team. If he stays on until the next World Cup, he’ll have led the team for 12 years—the longest tenure in history—but…

“More than that, the world’s top clubs won’t let him go. Even after the Qatar World Cup, there was talk of an offer from the Belgian powerhouse Sint-Truiden, but this time, there might be clubs that are seriously making a move.In recent years, it’s become commonplace for Japanese players to move to overseas clubs, but Japanese coaches haven’t made the leap to major overseas clubs. That’s probably because the image of Japan as a ‘football backwater’ still lingers. I’d like to see Coach Moriyasu blaze a trail into uncharted territory as a coach,” (same sports newspaper reporter)

In April, the international website “MAD FOOTBALL”released its ranking of the top managers of the ’25–’26 season. Among a lineup of renowned managers—including Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich) in first place, Luis Enrique (PSG) in second, and Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) in third—Japan’s Moriyasu was ranked eighth.He was the only national team coach to make the list.

Moriyasu isn’t just focusing on the match against Brazil; he’s reportedly already beginning to devise a strategy against Argentina—a team Japan could face in the semifinals if they continue to advance as expected. In particular, he’s said to be devising a plan to counter Messi, who is known as “God.” Does Moriyasu already have a blueprint in mind?

It will be fascinating to see what kind of “crazy tactical moves” he’ll pull off from here on out.