Nils Nielsen Resigns as Japan Women’s Soccer Coach After Asian Cup Victory

Nils Nielsen has resigned as head coach of Japan's women's national soccer team, the Japan Football Association confirmed Thursday.

Nielsen led the team to its third Women’s Asian Cup title in four tournaments with a 1-0 victory over Australia last month. The win also secured Japan a berth in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Danish tactician, 54, was hired in 2024 as the first foreign manager of Nadeshiko Japan, succeeding Futoshi Ikeda. Before taking the role, Nielsen served as director of football for Manchester City's women's squad and managed the Swiss national team from 2018 to 2022.