“Project didn’t work”
Austria fires national coach: successor has been chosen
Updated April 30, 2026 – 4:03 amReading time: 1 min.
After nine defeats in 14 competitive games, the ÖFB draws conclusions and separates from women’s national coach Alexander Schriebl. His successor brings six years of experience as a national coach.
The Austrian Football Association has fired Alexander Schriebl as coach of the women’s national team. The Dane Lars Söndergaard is already available as his successor. He most recently looked after the Danish women’s national team for six years.
Schriebl took over the office in January 2025. During his tenure, the team suffered nine defeats in 14 competitive games. Most recently, Austria played against Germany twice in World Cup qualifying: 1:5 away and a goalless draw at home.
ÖFB sports director Peter Schöttel explained that a “clear course” was needed. “A year and a half ago we initiated a courageous new beginning and also took some risks,” said Schöttel. “However, this project did not succeed in the desired form in an overall very challenging constellation.” The “positive reaction” to the goalless draw wasn’t enough, he emphasized.
The 67-year-old Söndergaard will initially take over until the end of the World Cup qualification. Schöffel described him as a “recognized personality in European football.” Austria wants to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil for the first time.
