Nielsen leaves as Japan coach weeks after winning Women's Asian Cup

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SPORTS 02.04.2026

Nils Nielsen is leaving as Japan coach less than two weeks after taking them to Women's Asian Cup glory, the football association said Thursday.

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Greenlander Nielsen led Japan to their third Asian title in four tournaments, beating hosts Australia 1-0 in the final in Sydney on March 21.

The 54-year-old had been in the job since December 2024.

"Japan women's manager Nils Nielsen is stepping down following the expiry of his contract," the JFA said in a statement.

Japan won plaudits for their performances at the Asian Cup, where they scored 29 goals and conceded just one.

Nielsen described his team as "inspirational" and said he was "very lucky to be working with players that are that good".

There was no indication at the time that he would soon depart.

Nielsen previously coached Denmark and Switzerland's women's teams and served as the technical director of Manchester City's women's side.

D.Lopez--AT

Arizona Tribune - Nielsen leaves as Japan coach weeks after winning Women's Asian Cup