Futoshi Ikeda Resigns as Japan Women's Coach

Futoshi Ikeda has stepped down as head coach of Japan's women's national soccer team after the Japan Football Association (JFA) chose not to extend his contract following their quarter-final exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Under his leadership, the Nadeshiko Japan team reached the quarter-finals at both the 2023 Women's World Cup and the recent Olympics, where they lost to the United States in extra time. Ikeda thanked the players and staff, highlighting the team's growth during his tenure, which included a memorable 4-0 victory over Spain in the World Cup group stage. Despite notable achievements such as winning the Asian under-19 title and the under-20 World Cup, he ultimately fell short of the high expectations set by Japan's 2011 World Cup victory. JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto praised Ikeda for fostering unity within the team and expressed hope for the players’ continued development. The JFA is now in search of Ikeda's successor to aim for higher goals in future competitions.