Swiss football fans got a major surprise this week. Pia Sundhage, who led Switzerland to unprecedented success at Euro 2025, won't be staying on as head coach. The Swiss Football Association has decided not to renew her contract, which runs out this December.
The 65-year-old Swedish coach didn't hide her disappointment. "I would have loved to continue this journey," Sundhage admitted in a statement. "I am surprised by the federation's decision, but I respect it."
This news is particularly shocking given Switzerland's historic performance at the Euros. As tournament hosts, the Swiss reached the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Their impressive run captured the hearts of fans across the country.
A Legendary Coach Shown the Door
Sundhage is no ordinary manager. She's a coaching legend who led the United States to two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup final in 2011. Her track record speaks for itself.
Just last month, Sundhage made it clear she wanted to stay on. Her only condition was having a full-time assistant. Instead of granting this reasonable request, Swiss FA officials flew to Stockholm to deliver the news face-to-face.
The timing seems particularly odd. Switzerland just scored back-to-back friendly wins against strong opponents in Canada and Scotland. These results suggested the team was still improving under Sundhage's guidance.
What's Next for Swiss Women's Football?
The Swiss FA has announced they'll make structural changes to their women's program. Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou will play a key role as technical director of national teams.
Djourou isn't new to the setup. He worked alongside Sundhage as sporting coordinator during the recent European Championship campaign.
For bettors keeping an eye on the 2027 Women's World Cup, this coaching change creates significant uncertainty. Switzerland had been showing steady improvement under Sundhage's leadership, potentially making them an interesting dark horse pick.
Now, much depends on who takes over. A new coach means new tactics, possibly new player selections, and an unpredictable adjustment period. Smart bettors might want to wait and see how Switzerland performs in their next few matches before placing any long-term bets.
Switzerland FA president Peter Knäbel did thank Sundhage for leading the team through an "unforgettable" Euro tournament. But warm words won't change the fact that the Swiss women's team now faces an unexpected transition period just as they were building momentum.
For a team hoping to make noise at the 2027 World Cup, this sudden coaching change represents a significant gamble by the Swiss Football Association. Only time will tell if their bet pays off.
