Wafric News – May 10, 2025

Iraq has named former Australia head coach Graham Arnold as its new national team manager, a decision aimed at reviving the country's World Cup qualification campaign.

The Iraq Football Association made the announcement via social media, sharing images of the 61-year-old Arnold's warm welcome in Baghdad by senior football officials. "We are delighted to announce Graham Arnold as the new head coach of the Iraq national team," the federation posted on Instagram, adding: "Welcome to the Lions of Mesopotamia!"

Arnold's arrival comes after the departure of Spanish coach Jesus Casas, who left his post following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Palestine in March. That defeat left Iraq in third place in Group B of Asia's World Cup qualifiers, four points behind leaders South Korea and one point adrift of second-placed Jordan.

Iraq is aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with the top two teams from each of Asia’s three qualifying groups securing automatic qualification. The third and fourth-place finishers will enter another round of qualifiers.

Arnold will oversee his first match as Iraq’s coach against South Korea in Basra on June 5, followed by a crucial clash against Jordan in Amman five days later. This marks a significant challenge for Arnold, as Iraq seeks to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

The appointment signals Arnold's return to international management after stepping down as Australia's head coach in November 2022. Under Arnold, the Socceroos reached the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup. However, following a disappointing start to the current qualification phase, including a loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia, Arnold resigned. He was replaced by Tony Popovic, who now leads the Socceroos to second place in their qualifying group.

Now, with his eyes set on World Cup glory with Iraq, Arnold hopes to reignite a national team with high aspirations for the upcoming qualifiers.


By WafricNews Desk.