Hajime Moriyasu demands direct talks with IFA chief Younis Mahmoud over Iraq coaching role

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Japanese manager Hajime Moriyasu has set a strict condition for entering negotiations with the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) to take over as head coach of the Iraqi national team, stipulating that all discussions must be conducted directly with him, completely bypassing intermediaries and sports marketing agencies. IFA President Younis Mahmoud is considering traveling to Japan to hold direct face-to-face talks with Moriyasu to explore reaching a formal agreement, pending final executive approval to initiate the official mission. The 58-year-old tactician is one of Asian football’s most accomplished coaches, having led Japan’s national squad since 2018. Under his tenure, Japan compiled a record of 78 wins and 15 draws across 112 matches, achieving several major milestones: 2019 AFC Asian Cup: Guided Japan to a runner-up finish. 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar): Reached the Round of 16 after securing upset group-stage victories over Germany and Spain. 2023 AFC Asian Cup: Advanced to the quarterfinals. 2026 FIFA World Cup: Led Japan to the Round of 32. Recent Landmark Victory: Claimed a historic 3–2 friendly win over Brazil in Singapore on November 14, 2026. Moriyasu is scheduled to conclude his eight-year tenure with the Japan Football Association following their upcoming friendly match against Paraguay on November 17, 2026, having brought forward his departure date in light of the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.