Managing Japan’s national football team comes with “pressure” but “no stress,” Hajime Moriyasu said Monday, as he reiterated his ambition of winning the 2026 World Cup.
The 56-year-old addressed the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo with less than a year to go until the tournament gets under way in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“I want to prepare with the goal of being No. 1 in the world and challenge for the World Cup,” Moriyasu said.
Japan in March secured their fastest-ever World Cup qualification with three games still to play in their final Asian qualifying group.
Japan football manager Hajime Moriyasu addresses the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on June 16, 2025. (Kyodo)
While the Samurai Blue have never progressed beyond the round of 16 at the tournament, Moriyasu is bullish about his team’s prospects.
“We can win if we make use of everyone’s individual strengths while playing in harmony as a team,” he said.
Moriyasu has periodically come under heavy criticism from sections of the fanbase and media for his tactics and player selections, but the manager said he welcomed the scrutiny that comes with the job.
“There’s pressure, but no stress at all,” he said. “I can take the criticism in a positive way. Indifference would be harder to take.”
Moriyasu likened one of the national team’s biggest names, Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo, to “Captain Tsubasa,” the eponymous central character of the smash-hit manga series.
“I hope he grows into a player who can become Captain Tsubasa and take on the world,” Moriyasu said.
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