The JFA hired Nielsen to lead the women's national team in December 2024. During his tenure, Japan went 10-2-4. Notably, Japan won the 2025 SheBelieves cup, sweeping all three games which included a 2-1 victory over the USWNT in the final match. Nadeshiko just completed a dominant performance in the 2026 AFC WAC, going 6-0 and out scoring opponents 29-1 on the way to the tournament title.
During Japan's stay in Australia, Nielsne drew attention for more than just his team's performance. In the final's pre-match press conference, Nielsen gave a perplexing answer that evoked a fly's attraction to both honey and manure when answering why he was unable to say whether his side or the host Matildas were the favorite to take home the title. During his celebratory post match comments, Nielsen took verbal shots at host Sydney and lamented the inability of his team to get a drink after 11 pm in the city.
In addition to any potential personality concerns, it appears there may JFA may have performance-based concerns about their coach. Despite winning he SheBelieves Cup and the AFC WAC in the last 13 months, JFA Women's National Team Director Norio Sasaki stated the federation "found that his coaching was too (naive) and that a more thorough approach was needed."
WNT Director Norio Sasaki: "People will think 'why?' because he won the SheBelieves Cup and the Women's Asian Cup. But we looked at him from the perspective of winning the World Cup, and we found that his coaching was too (naive) and that a more thorough approach was needed."
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo.bsky.social) 2026-04-02T07:23:35.157Z
The timing is right for a coaching change. Japan is in the lull before a crucial period. Nadeshiko's performance in the AFC WAC clinched direct qualification to next year's World Cup in Brazil. Japan will also take part in AFC qualification for the 2028 Olympic's. Changing leadership now gives JFA, a team with clear World Cup title ambitions, to find the right coach and get players familiar with a system in advance of competitive matches.
In the short run, Michihisa Kano will provide a level of familiarity for Nadeshiko. Kano lead the Japanese U-20 WNT to a runner up finish in the 20204 U-20 Women's World Cup. In the short run he faces a daunting immediate test, facing off against the USWNT in San Jose, Seattle, and Denver.
