Pia Sundhage Relieved of Duties as Switzerland Women’s Soccer Coach
Associated Press
November 3, 2025, 03:28 PM ET
BERN, Switzerland — Renowned soccer coach Pia Sundhage will not continue as the head of the Switzerland women’s national team, missing the opportunity to guide them into the 2027 Women’s World Cup despite a remarkable run in the recent European Championship.
On Monday, Sundhage expressed her astonishment over the Swiss Football Association’s decision not to renew her contract, which is set to expire in December.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2011 World Cup finalist with the United States saw her Swiss team make an impressive quarterfinal appearance in Euro 2025, marking the country’s first-ever journey to the knockout stages of the tournament.
“I would have loved to continue this journey,” the 65-year-old Sundhage stated in a release from the Swiss FA. “I am surprised by the [federation’s] decision, but I respect it.”
On Tuesday, Rafel Navarro, assistant coach at Barcelona, was announced as Sundhage’s successor.
“With Rafel Navarro, we are bringing on board a coach who possesses significant international experience and a strong grasp of modern game concepts and innovation. His past accomplishments and our discussions have established his commitment to enhancing Swiss football with fresh, developmental strategies in the years ahead,” stated Peter Knäbel, president of the Swiss federation.
Last month, before leading the team to victories against Canada and Scotland in friendly matches, Sundhage had indicated her desire for a renewed contract, provided she could appoint a full-time assistant.
The Swiss FA communicated their decision during a face-to-face meeting with Sundhage in Stockholm, Sweden. Knäbel noted that Sundhage was thanked for her leadership during an “unforgettable” Euro tournament.
In a shift for women’s soccer, Switzerland plans to implement structural changes with Johan Djourou, a former Arsenal defender, stepping into the role of technical director for national teams. Djourou had collaborated with Sundhage this year as the sporting coordinator of the squad.
n
