Nadeshiko Japan’s Head Coach to Leave Post; Lax in Coaching Cited As Reason to Not Renew Contract

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:44 JST, April 2, 2026

The head coach of the Japan women’s national soccer team, Nils Nielsen, will be leaving his post, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

A Danish national, Nielsen led Nadeshiko Japan to their third title at the Asian Cup in Australia in March. He became the Japan team’s first foreign coach in December 2024, and his contract was set to expire after this year’s Asian Cup.

The association’s director for the women’s national team, Norio Sasaki, cited “lax in Nielsen’s coaching” as the reason for deciding not to renew his contract. The search for a successor is reportedly underway.

Nadeshiko Japan secured a spot in next year’s World Cup in Brazil at the Asian Cup, and the team is aiming to win the global tournament.