The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has reached an agreement to appoint former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold as their new head coach as they campaign to make the 2026 World Cup, according to Iraqi media.
Iraqi media reports that Arnold has agreed to replace the dismissed Jesús Casas, quoting IFA member Ghalib Al-Zamili.
Arnold was reportedly selected by the IFA’s National Teams Committee from a shortlist that included experienced coaches such as Carlos Queiroz, a former assistant of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and ex-Real Madrid head coach.
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According to sources cited by Iraqi media, Arnold’s contract is set to run until the end of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, but on the condition that he qualifies the nation for the World Cup.
Iraq are currently third in group B with two games to go – four points behind leaders South Korea and one behind Jordan with the top two set to qualify automatically from the current stage.
If confirmed, Arnold will take control for the two games, which are against the two sides above them on the table.
Arnold left the Socceroos in September following a home loss to Bahrain and a draw in Indonesia. His replacement, Tony Popovic, has guided the Socceroos into second in their group behind Japan.
There is an outside possibility that Australia could face a reunion with Arnold should they and Iraq finish outside the top two and enter a playoff stage.
Graham Arnold. (Photo by Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images,)
Arnold is Australia’s longest-serving Socceroos coach having held the job from 2018-2024, along with a short stint as interim boss in 2006-07.
“I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the program,” said Arnold.
“I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players and Football Australia. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”
The Sydney Morning Herlad reported Arnold had a clause in his contract preventing him to make an immediate move to an Asian nation, but that it had now expired.
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