126
ANKARA
The Japanese Football Association has decided to extend the contract of Hajime Moriyasu, the national football team head coach.
Kozo Tajima, the association’s head, announced on Wednesday that Moriyasu is expected to continue as coach of the Samurai Blues until the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
At the recent Qatar 2022, Moriyasu helmed Japan to beat two former world champions, Germany and Spain, to reach the Round of 16 as Group E leaders with six points.
The Samurai Blues missed their chance to reach their maiden World Cup quarterfinals when they were eliminated by Croatia with 3-1 (1-1) on penalties in the Round of 16.