Honda offers himself as Japan head coach after World Cup exit

Keisuke Honda has thrown his name into the conversation for the Japan national team job following the Samurai Blue's round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup (1). The former AC Milan and CSKA Moscow midfielder, who earned 98 caps and scored at three World Cups, said he is ready to step in. Hajime Moriyasu's side were eliminated by Brazil after a painful 2–1 defeat in which they led through Kaishu Sano before late goals from Vinícius Júnior and Gabriel Martinelli ended their run. Honda's offer arrives with Japan still processing a third consecutive last-16 exit, each time after holding the lead.