Arnold would “love” to see A-League franchise return to Gold Coast as Robina set to host WC qualifier

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has sent welcome shockwaves through Gold Coast football circles with A-League football franchise talk. Read his comments here.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has thrown his support behind an A-League football franchise returning to the Gold Coast.

It comes after Robina Stadium was unveiled as the venue for Australia’s third round 2026 World Cup qualifier later this year against Bahrain.

“I would have loved to see them stay in the A-League with Clive Palmer,” Arnold said of the failed Gold Coast United franchise that was disbanded in 2012 but has since returned as an National Premier Leagues Queensland club.

“That years ago obviously, I came here and played with the (Central Coast) Mariners and the crowds were fantastic and that was in 2011/12.

“You imagine the crowds today with the amount of growth in the game here and on the Gold Coast - so you know I’d love to see an A -League club back here.

“On the Gold Coast you’ve got the facilities, we’ve got everything that’s required it just needs obviously the backing to get someone back into the A-League.”

Graham Arnold, Socceroos head coach with players from Mudgeeraba Soccer Club. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

The A-League Men is set to expand to 13 teams this season with the introduction of Auckland FC, while the addition of a Canberra franchise to the men’s competition was put on hold until the 2025/26 season.

It comes amid a period of significant financial uncertainty for the A-Leagues as club funding from the APL was cut from $2 million to $530,000 in what was a massive blow.

The Gold Coast will play host to the Socceroos clash with Bahrain on Thursday, September 5, in what will mark the first time the Socceroos have played on the Gold Coast in their history.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, not only just for ourselves, but to inspire 15,000 registered kids that play football here in this region, to inspire their dreams and expose those types of moments in life,” Arnold said of what it meant to bring an international game to the region.

Graham Arnold, Socceroos head coach, Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn, Mayor Tom Tate and players from Mudgeeraba Soccer Club. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“Especially the fact that it’s a World Cup qualifier, it’s a very, very important game and it’s important that we get off to a great start,” Arnold said.

“(I’m) pleading to all the to come here, full house, get behind the Socceroos and the boys and we’ll put in a great performance and make this a great memory for a lot of people.

“It’s a fantastic rectangle stadium that the fans will be close to the players. I know the boys will be excited by this announcement.”

The match could also be a homecoming for local Gold Coast talents Kye Rowles and Nick D’Agostino.

“Kye has been brilliant for me ever since I had him with the Olympic team and the Socceroos,” Arnold said.

“There’s no doubt he’ll be buzzing to get back here and play in his home state and in front of his family and friends, which is hugely important.”

The playing group will touch down on the Gold Coast two days prior to its clash on the Tuesday morning and squeeze in a pair of training sessions.

Despite a tough qualifying group that includes Japan and Saudi Arabia, Arnold was steadfast in the group’s desire to claim top spot and progress straight to the 2026 World Cup.

“That’s what we’re here for and we’ve got high standards,” he said, adding that he expected the game to sell out.

“It just shows where our sport’s at and where the game is growing, especially spectator-wise.”