Japan’s New Coach Hajime Moriyasu Reveals Admiration for Indonesia, A Surprise from the East Asian Nation

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has expressed deep respect for Indonesian football and its supporters as his squad prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. Speaking ahead of the encounter in Jakarta, Moriyasu emphasized the passion of the local fanbase and the tactical evolution of the Indonesian national team, noting that his admiration for the country extends beyond the pitch.

Moriyasu’s Perspective on Indonesian Football

During his pre-match media engagements, Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the significant growth of the Indonesian national team under coach Shin Tae-yong. Moriyasu, who has led the Samurai Blue since 2018, noted that the atmosphere surrounding Indonesian football—driven by a highly vocal and supportive fanbase—has made an impression on him. According to official reports from the Japan Football Association (JFA), Moriyasu stated that he holds a positive view of the country, citing the warmth of the people and the competitive spirit of the national squad.

The Japanese manager highlighted that the current Indonesian side possesses a blend of tactical discipline and physical intensity that demands serious preparation. “I like Indonesia,” Moriyasu remarked during his press conference, acknowledging the challenge his team faces in the hostile, high-energy environment of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. His comments reflect a growing recognition within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) of Indonesia’s rising status as a formidable contender in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Strategic Stakes in the World Cup Qualifiers

The upcoming match is a critical fixture in Group C of the AFC third round. Japan currently leads the group standings, maintaining an unbeaten record that has solidified their position as favorites to secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 tournament. For Moriyasu, the objective remains clear: securing three points in Jakarta to maintain the team’s momentum toward the World Cup.

Tactically, the Japanese side has relied on a high-pressing system and clinical transition play. Moriyasu has spent the lead-up to the match analyzing Indonesia’s defensive structure, which has proven difficult to break down for several opponents in the group. The Japanese staff is particularly wary of Indonesia’s ability to utilize counter-attacks, a hallmark of Shin Tae-yong’s strategy that relies on speed and rapid transitions from defense to attack.

The Atmosphere at Gelora Bung Karno

Playing at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta presents a unique challenge for the Japanese players. With a capacity exceeding 77,000, the venue is known for creating an intense, pressurized environment for visiting teams. Moriyasu emphasized to his players that they must remain focused on their tactical instructions despite the noise and the fervor of the local crowd.

Japanese media reports indicate that the team has been preparing for the humidity and specific playing conditions in Indonesia, which contrast with the climate in Japan during this time of year. Moriyasu noted that these environmental factors are part of the challenge of international football, but he expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt. The JFA confirmed that the team arrived in Jakarta several days ahead of the match to complete their final training sessions and acclimatize to the local conditions.

Looking Ahead

The result of this match will have significant implications for the Group C table. While Japan remains the group leader, Indonesia is fighting to secure a top-four finish, which would allow them to progress to the next stage of the qualification process. Moriyasu’s respect for the opponent is not merely polite; it is grounded in the reality that the gap between the top-tier Asian sides and emerging programs like Indonesia is narrowing.

Fans can follow the official match updates through the AFC’s live portal and the Japan Football Association’s official social media channels. The match is scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with kickoff times set according to local Western Indonesian Time (WIB). As both teams finalize their rosters and tactical drills, the focus remains on a high-stakes encounter that will shape the path toward the 2026 World Cup.