Ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold given task of securing FIFA World Cup qualification for Iraq

New Iraq boss Graham Arnold’s coaching staff is set to include some familiar faces.

Graham Arnold’s appointment as Iraq coach has been confirmed, with the ex-Socceroos mentor’s staff to include a former A-League coach and a member of Australia’s 2006 FIFA World Cup squad.

Arnold has arrived in Baghdad to start the task of preparing Iraq for World Cup qualifiers next month against South Korea and Jordan.

The 61-year-old Arnold – who has taken over from sacked Spaniard Jesus Casas – resigned as Socceroos coach in September last year after having been in role since 2018.

He guided Australia to the 2022 World Cup, where the Socceroos reached the round-of-16 before being knocked out by eventual champions Argentina.

Iraq is currently in third place in Group B in third round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Welcome to Baghdad ✔️

Our new Australian head coach Graham Arnold has arrived in the Iraqi capital! 🛬 pic.twitter.com/AH1IybroHv

— Iraq National Team (@IraqNT_EN) May 9, 2025

The Iraqis are a point behind second-placed Jordan and four points adrift of group leaders South Korea.

The top two nations from each of the three third-round groups will qualify for next year’s World Cup.

A fourth round of AFC World Cup qualifiers will involve the nations finishing third and fourth in each group.

Arnold’s coaching contract will be extended if he is successful in securing World Cup qualification for Iraq.

His coaching staff is set to include his former Socceroos assistant Rene Meulensteen, as well as ex-Newcastle Jets coach Robbie Stanton and former Socceroos goalkeeper Zejlko Kalac, who was part of Australia’s 2006 World Cup squad.

Stanton, who only last weekend completed a two-year stint with the Jets, is already in Baghdad with Arnold.