Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold set to coach Iraq in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has reportedly signed with a rival Asian outfit ahead of next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has reportedly signed on as the new head coach of the Iraq national men’s football team.

Arnold quit his job as Socceroos coach mid contract last September after the side’s disastrous start to the World Cup qualifiers.

Iraqi media has reported Arnold’s appointment to the role with the contract set to run through to the end of AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

The contract has a get out early clause, allowing Arnold to jump ship should Iraq not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iraq parted ways with Jesus Casas, who took the side to the Round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup, in April.

Graham Arnold resigned as Socceroos coach last September. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The team, ranked 59th in the world, sit third in their AFC Group B pool for the World Cup qualifiers.

To secure automatic entry through to the 2026 World Cup Iraq will need to defeat Korea Republic and Jordan in the June window.

Arnold, who led the Socceroos to their best ever World Cup finish in 2022, is expected to be in place for that window.

The 61-year-old quit as Socceroos coach as he felt it was the best decision for the team.

“Everyone thinks it was a difficult decision but it was quite easy,” he said back in September.

“I always put the nation first, the team first, and myself last. And I just felt that probably ever since the loss in the Asian Cup, I haven’t felt the same, and I’m always honest.

“And you know, the stomach was telling me, the gut was telling me it was time to leave, and “I’d done my best with this group of players and so it was at the end of the day, as I said, it was an easy decision.”

Graham Arnold had a rollercoaster time as coach at the Socceroos. Picture: Getty

Arnold was replaced within days of handing in his resignation by Tony Popovic.

The Socceroos sit second in their World Cup qualifiers pool behind Japan.

In other national team coaching news, the Matildas are still without a head coach nine months after Tony Gustavsson was let go following the 2024 Olympics.

Lyon women’s coach Joe Montemurro has been linked to the top job.

Montemurro has played down the rumours and said he remains committed to seeing out his contract with Lyon, which doesn’t expire until 2027.

Lyon’s season is due to wrap up in a couple of weeks – so if Montemurro is to take the job an announcement shouldn’t be far off.

The Socceroos will take on Japan on June 5 at Optus Stadium and then clash with Saudi Arabia on June 11.

Meanwhile, after a disastrous season where they narrowly avoided the bottom of the table Brisbane Roar have sacked A-League’s men’s coach Ruben Zadkovich and have already lined up a new coach.

There were strong calls for Zakdovich to be removed from the top job mid-season given Roar’s less than impressive results on the pitch - where they won just five of 26 games.

Ruben Zadkovich’s time as Brisbane Roar head coach is up. Picture: Getty

On Tuesday morning it was confirmed Roar and Zadkovich had mutually agreed to part ways.

Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta said in a statement sent to media and club members:

“The Club would like to acknowledge and thank Ruben for his commitment and efforts during his tenure in Brisbane. Ruben leaves with our best wishes for his future endeavours, as we begin to chart a new course here at the club.”

Zadkovich said: “I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members and fans at Brisbane Roar, alongside Kaz Patafta and Zac Anderson, for the opportunity to coach at this great club.”

The club said a formal announcement and press conference with the new coach was planned for “coming days”.

Originally published as Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold set to coach Iraq in FIFA World Cup qualifiers