BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Famed soccer coach Pia Sundage will not get the chance to lead Switzerland to the 2027 Women’s World Cup, despite her huge success at the European Championships.
Sundage said on Monday he was surprised by the Swiss Football Association’s decision not to renew his contract, which expires in December.
Sundage, a two-time Olympic champion and 2011 World Cup finalist who coached the U.S. national team, led host Switzerland to the quarterfinals of Euro 2025 in July. It captured the imagination of the nation. Switzerland had never reached the knockout stages before.
“I wanted to continue this journey,” Sundage, 65, said in a statement released by the Swiss Football Association. “I’m surprised by (the federation’s) decision, but I respect it.”
Sundege said last month, ahead of back-to-back friendly wins over Canada and Scotland, that he would like to re-sign with a full-time assistant.
A statement said Swiss football association officials informed Sundage of the news during a face-to-face meeting in his native Stockholm, Sweden.
Swiss Football Federation president Peter Knebel thanked Sundage for leading his team through an “unforgettable” Euro tournament.
The federation has announced that it will appoint Johan Djourou as the national team’s technical director and carry out structural reforms in women’s soccer. The former Arsenal defender worked with Sundarge this year as the team’s sporting coordinator.
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