Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu took full responsibility after his team’s 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, apologizing to fans and praising his players’ fighting spirit despite the heartbreaking elimination.
Speaking after the match, the 57-year-old coach expressed deep disappointment at Japan’s failure to progress from the knockout stages. “I am truly sorry that we were unable to give our fans a victory. As head coach, I believe that the responsibility falls on me and I sincerely apologize to everyone.” Moriyasu admitted the result was painful, but said he accepted full responsibility for the defeat.
Moriyasu also expressed gratitude to the fans who traveled to Houston to cheer on the Samurai Blue, as well as the millions of fans who stayed up late across Japan and around the world to watch the game. “I want to thank everyone who came to Houston Stadium to support the national team. I also know that many people in Japan and around the world stayed up late to watch the game on television and online platforms. Their support means a lot to us.”
Although Japan’s World Cup season ended in disappointment, Moriyasu stressed that his players had no reason to regret their efforts. “This is a difficult result to accept, but the players gave everything they had. They worked hard every day and competed with an extraordinary spirit. The coaching staff and everyone who supports the team also gave their all.”
The veteran coach said the team will learn from the defeat and come back stronger. “We are extremely disappointed, but we will accept this result and use it as motivation to come back stronger in the future.”
Japan’s 2–1 loss to Brazil marked the fifth time in the nation’s history that Japan was eliminated in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Brazil secured victory after Gabriel Martinelli used a scoring opportunity to restore his team’s lead, sending the five-time world champions to the next round and ending Japan’s journey to the World Cup.
Despite the heartbreaking exit, Moriyasu remains optimistic about the future of Japanese football. While he acknowledges the disappointment shared by both players and fans, he believes the experience will help the national team continue its development on the international stage.
The Japan coach concluded by thanking the fans for their unwavering support and promised that the team will use the setback as motivation to achieve greater success in future tournaments.
Sources: Znews
