RIO DE JANEIRO – Pia Sundhage has stepped down as coach of the Brazil women’s national team, the country’s football association (CBF) announced on Wednesday, after the South Americans suffered their earliest Women’s World Cup exit since 1995.

The Brazilians failed to get past the group stage, after winning just one of their three games at the recently concluded tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The 63-year-old Swede, who took over Brazil in 2019, had one year left on her contract and was due to coach the team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I would like to thank Pia and all those who worked with her and were part of the coaching staff," said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

"During this period, from 2019 to the present, Pia has also done work that has been very important for Brazilian football. We wish her every success in her new challenges."

The CBF added it will announce in the following days the new coaching staff for the Paris Games and the next Women's World Cup in 2027.

Two-time Olympic-winning coach Sundhage led Brazil in 57 matches, with 34 wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup was the last chance for the Selecao to win the crown with legendary veteran Marta – who never hoisted the trophy despite being widely considered as one of the greatest players in history – in their team.

The 37-year-old forward has confirmed that it was her last World Cup, although she would still be playing club football for the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Brazil, who unlike their storied male counterparts who are five-time world champions, have never triumphed in the global showpiece.

They started strongly in this past edition in Group F with a 4-0 win over Panama, but then lost to eventual group winners France 2-1 and were sent home after a 0-0 draw with Jamaica, who advanced. REUTERS, AFP