JFA Confirms Nakamura for World Cup Backroom Role
Ex-Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff under Hajime Moriyasu. The 98-cap midfielder, famed for his free-kick vs Man United, retired in 2022 and coached at Yokohama FC. Japan are in Group F with Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
Japan add set-piece icon Nakamura to Moriyasu’s World Cup team...
The JFA announced Nakamura will join Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom team for the World Cup, with Japan placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura set to join Japan’s World Cup coaching team
The Japan Football Association confirmed on Thursday that ex-Celtic set-piece specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will be part of Japan’s coaching staff at the World Cup.
Renowned for his dead-ball ability, the former midfielder famously netted a curling free-kick versus Manchester United in the Champions League.
“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” said Nakamura.
Nakamura earned 98 caps for Japan and scored 24 goals, featuring at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
SAMURAI BLUE コーチに中村俊輔氏が就任 #jfa #daihyo https://t.co/1x7kSWWlqz pic.twitter.com/6MBJWFVy4S
— サッカー日本代表 🇯🇵 (@jfa_samuraiblue) April 16, 2026
He moved to Celtic in 2005 from Italian club Reggina and won three Scottish league titles across four seasons in Glasgow.
He called time on his playing career in 2022 and took up an assistant coach role at Japanese club Yokohama FC.
“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.
Shunsuke Nakamura 🎯#UCL pic.twitter.com/JHktQLRBM2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 24, 2023
“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”
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