NEWS

Japan’s 2006 World Cup coach Zico and Nagoya Grampus manager and former Yugoslavia international Dragan Stojkovic have been named as ambassadors for Japan’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids along with a number of other world footballing icons who have strong ties to Japan.

Joining Zico and Stojkovic on the seven-man ambassador team are former Japan coach Ivica Osim of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Japan’s 2002 World Cup coach Philippe Troussier of France, former Urawa Reds star player and manager Guido Buchwald of Germany, as well as Japan internationals Shunsuke Nakamura of Espanyol and Makoto Hasebe of VfL Wolfsburg.
All of them have made significant contributions to the development of Japanese football and will support Japan’s bid campaign by conveying messages and information to the rest of the world on the advantages of having the World Cup in Japan in 2018 or 2022. Their presence is also expected to draw further support from the Japanese people.
“It makes us feel very confident to have such people, who symbolize Japanese football, as ambassadors for our World Cup campaign,” JFA President and Japan’s 2018/2022 Bid Committee Chairman Motoaki Inukai commented.
“With their affection and enthusiasm for Japanese football, I believe our ambassadors will help boost the atmosphere in the country and support our campaign as necessary,” Inukai noted.
Others are expected to join the Japanese campaign and will be unveiled in due course.

Ambassadors for Japan’s 2018/2022 World Cup Bids (in alphabetical order)
Dragan Stojkovic, Nagoya Grampus manager and former player
Guido Buchwald, former Urawa Reds player and manager
Ivica Osim, former Japan coach and JEF United Chiba manager
Makoto Hasebe, VfL Wolfsburg midfielder
Philippe Troussier, Japan’s 2002 World Cup coach and FC Ryukyu general manager
Shunsuke Nakamura, Japan and Espanyol midfielder
Zico, Japan’s 2006 World Cup coach