Socceroos coach Graham Arnold walks away amid a dismal start to Australia’s World Cup qualification

Australia is on the hunt for a new coach - and already has several names in mind - after longtime mentor Graham Arnold quit in the midst of a dismal start to their World Cup qualification.

There will be no worldwide search or interim coach for the Socceroos with Football Australia boss James Johnson confirming just hours after Graham Arnold’s resignation a new head coach would be in place within a matter of weeks.

Arnold, who led the Socceroos to their best ever World Cup finish in 2022, handed in his resignation to Johnson earlier this week - his time at the helm is over immediately.

It follows a horrible window for the Socceroos where they lost 0-1 to Bahrain at the Gold Coast then drew 0-0 with Indonesia - taking just one of a potential six points from their opening World Cup qualifiers.

ROBBIE SLATER OPINION: Arnie has had a gutful of the haters

Johnson, who publicly supported Arnold as coach just last week, said it wasn’t his place to comment on Arnold’s motives.

“Graham is the kind of coach that puts everything into the team,” Johnson said.

“I think he was out of gas, he was very open about that when I met with him, but I met with him after the Indonesia game and he was really tired, I think he ran out of gas.

“He’s had a remarkable tenure as the Socceroos coach, the last window was a difficult one for him personally, he cares a lot about the team. When we spoke we felt that he wasn’t going to go forward (as coach) no matter what we said.”

Graham Arnold looked downcast after Australia’s shock defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast a fortnight ago. Picture: Getty

The Socceroos are due to play the second wave of their World Cup qualifiers in 20 days - first against China then Japan.

Johnson said with World Cup qualification on the line there was no time to waste with an interim coach or the worldwide search like they are currently undertaking to find a replacement for the Matildas head coach role vacated by Tony Gustavasson in August.

“The Matildas are at the start of a cycle and we’ve recently put in place an interim coach, because we have time with the Matildas,” Johnson said.

“We don’t have another competitive match until the women’s Asian Cup in 2026 so we want to make sure that we get the right person in at the right time.

“The Socceroos are mid-calendar. They’re two games into 10 Round 3 (qualifying) matches. So we need to move quickly. We need to get into the fifth gear.”

Despite saying that Arnold’s resignation came as a surprise and the coach still having two years left on his contract, Johnson said Football Australia was already aware of what coaches were available.

“We’re in the market,” Johnson said. “We know the market, we know who’s in the market, who’s available and who isn’t available.

“That’s what good playing does, I believe we are in a position that when we need to move quickly we can and I think we will.

“We want a coach that is tactically astute, we want a coach that understands the Australian mentality, that understands our players, that’s important for us because the coach will be coming in before the next window.”

Graham Arnold’s time as Socceroos coach ended in disappointment. Picture: Getty

Regardless of the poor results so far Johnson said he was confident the Socceroos would qualify for the 20260 FIFA World Cup.

“We have every bit of confidence that will be the case,” Johnson said. “We have eight matches to go, the reality is this is a long qualifying process. It’s the longest and we’re aiming to go through at Round 3 but there is also Round 4 or 5 as well. We just have to get this appointment right.”

Arnold didn’t front the media, instead issuing a statement via Football Australia.

He said leading the Socceroos had been the “pinnacle” of his career and a “true honour”.

“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements – from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage. After careful consideration, I believe it’s time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward,” Arnold said in the statement.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the players, my staff, Football Australia, and our passionate fans for their unwavering support. The Socceroos have a bright future ahead, and I’m confident they will continue to excel.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Australian Head Coach Graham Arnold speaks to the media after the round three 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Bahrain at Robina Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“I’ve given 40 years of service to Australian football, with the last six years in my role as Socceroos’ head coach.

“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.

“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.

“To witness the personal and football growth of this playing group, the identity and brotherhood which has been formed and now revered by others, and the way this team galvanised a country during its record-breaking feats in Qatar will forever be highlights.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone, particularly the Australian football family, who has been part of this journey over the past six years and wish this incredible team and support staff nothing but success for this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Johnson said there was no denying Arnold’s commitment to the Socceroos.

“Graham’s had a long career in Australian football, he’s had 40 years. He was a successful coach in the A-League before he took on the job of the Socceroos coach,” Johnson said.

“He’s had an outstanding playing career and he’s done a lot for Australian football.”

The Socceroos are due to play China in Adelaide on October 10 and then travel to Japan for a clash on October 15.

Originally published as Socceroos coach Graham Arnold walks away amid a dismal start to Australia’s World Cup qualification