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Iraq look to former Australia coach Arnold to boost 2026 World Cup hopes
Reuters
Iraq have appointed former Australia manager Graham Arnold as head coach ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Jordan.
Graham Arnold has been named the new head coach of the Iraq national football team, the country’s football federation confirmed on Saturday. The 61-year-old Australian replaces Jesus Casas, who was dismissed following Iraq’s 2-1 defeat to Palestine in March.
The Iraq Football Association announced Arnold's appointment on Instagram, sharing photos of his arrival in Baghdad and writing, “We are delighted to announce Graham Arnold as the new head coach of the Iraq national team. Welcome to the Lions of Mesopotamia!”
Arnold takes over at a pivotal moment, with Iraq sitting third in Group B of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They trail group leaders South Korea by four points and second-placed Jordan by one.
Only the top two teams in each of Asia’s three qualifying groups will earn automatic spots at the World Cup. Teams finishing third and fourth will have to compete in an additional round of qualifiers.
Arnold’s first match in charge will be on June 5 against South Korea in Basra, followed by an away match in Amman against Jordan on June 10. Iraq are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.
This marks a return to international management for Arnold, who led Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. He stepped down in late 2024 after a poor start to the new qualifying cycle, which included a loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia.
Tony Popovic succeeded Arnold as Australia’s head coach and has guided the Socceroos to second place in Group C, trailing only Japan.
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