Soccer: Moriyasu stays on as Japan manager after World Cup run

The Japan Football Association retained Hajime Moriyasu as men's national team manager Wednesday after he led them to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup in Qatar after topping their tough group. The 54-year-old becomes the first manager to remain in the post following a World Cup since Japan's 1998 debut in France and will be tasked with steering the Samurai Blue toward the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. "I'm extremely honored while also bracing myself for the difficult mission ahead and the weight of responsibility that comes with the job," Moriyasu told a press conference. "I want to take on the challenge with the belief that nothing is impossible for Japan." Faced with arguably their toughest-ever World Cup assignment, Japan finished on top of Group E in Qatar, registering thrilling comeback wins over giants Germany and Spain on either side of an upset loss to Costa Rica. While Japan's tournament ended with a disappointing penalty shootout loss to eventual semifinalists Croatia, falling short of a first-ever quarterfinal berth, Moriyasu's ability to bring the team together was highly evaluated by the JFA.