Moriyasu to Step Down After November Friendlies, Takes Belgium Job
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Japan national team head coach Hajime Moriyasu is expected to tender his resignation following this month's international friendlies, with the AFC Asian Cup's postponement forcing an early conclusion to his eight-year tenure. Moriyasu, 57, will lead the Blue Samurai in matches against Brazil on November 14 and Paraguay on November 17 at the National Stadium in Singapore—both expected to be his final matches in charge .
Key Points
- Moriyasu's original contract was set to expire after the January 2027 Asian Cup, but the tournament's postponement to December 2027 due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia prompted his early departure .
- Upon leaving the Japan post, Moriyasu is set to take charge of Belgian First Division club Sint-Truidense, becoming the first Japanese head coach in a European top-flight league .
- Current U-23 national team coach Tsuyoshi Oiwa is expected to assume the senior team role from March 2027, beginning preparations for the 2030 World Cup cycle .
- Japan lost 2-1 to Brazil in the World Cup Round of 32 earlier this year, with Brazil scoring a stoppage-time winner—the upcoming friendly is being billed as a "revenge match" .
- Japan's squad features World Cup regulars including Takehiro Kubo, Junya Ito, and goalkeeper Ayuda Suzuki, along with Monaco forward Takumi Minamino returning from injury .
Why It Matters
Moriyasu's departure marks the end of an era for Japanese football, as he guided the national team through two World Cup campaigns including their historic Round of 16 exit in Qatar 2022. His move to Sint-Truidense could open doors for Japanese coaches in European football, potentially inspiring a new generation of Asian managerial talent in top leagues . The timing of his exit—with a new coach taking charge in March 2027—gives Japan sufficient time to build a squad for the 2030 World Cup cycle, which Japan is co-hosting with Saudi Arabia .
Moriyasu's departure marks the end of an era for Japanese football, as he guided the national team through two World Cup campaigns including their historic Round of 16 exit in Qatar 2022. His move to Sint-Truidense could open doors for Japanese coaches in European football, potentially inspiring a new generation of Asian managerial talent in top leagues . The timing of his exit—with a new coach taking charge in March 2027—gives Japan sufficient time to build a squad for the 2030 World Cup cycle, which Japan is co-hosting with Saudi Arabia .