Former Australia manager Graham Arnold, 63, announced on Monday that he has extended his contract as head coach of the Iraq national soccer team through the 2027 Asian Cup. The renewal is for six months, a shorter term than the four‑year offer originally presented by the Iraq Football Association.
World Cup milestone and upcoming challenges
Arnold was appointed in May 2025 and guided Iraq to its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, securing the final spot for the 2026 tournament after a dramatic inter‑continental playoff. Although Iraq lost all three group‑stage matches against Norway, France and Senegal, the experience of facing world‑class players such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland was deemed valuable for the squad’s development.
Looking ahead, Iraq will compete in the Asian Cup group stage against Australia, Singapore and Tajikistan. The tournament, which Iraq won in 2007, is scheduled for January in Saudi Arabia, with preparations beginning at the Gulf Cup in September.
Arnold’s focus on new talent
“I returned early to watch and identify new players ahead of the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup and to build the team for the future,” Arnold said at a press conference in Baghdad. He added that fans can expect fresh faces to appear in the next phase of competition.
The short‑term extension reflects Arnold’s belief that a six‑month period will allow him to assess emerging talent and shape the squad for upcoming regional tournaments while maintaining continuity after the historic World Cup qualification.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
