Iraq soccer chief denies Arnold exit, says contract extension close

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Football Association President Younis Mahmoud denied Thursday that national team coach Graham Arnold is set to leave, saying the federation is working to extend the Australian’s contract and is not seeking a replacement.

Mahmoud said the federation wants Arnold to continue leading the Lions of Mesopotamia into major upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cup, and that talks with him and his staff had reached an advanced stage. “The negotiations with the coach and his technical staff have reached an advanced stage, and the agreement is close to completion,” he said, adding that only the formal signing remains once Iraq’s World Cup ends. The deal covers financial terms for Arnold and his assistants along with administrative arrangements. Mahmoud said he was surprised by reports the coach could leave, stressing that “the coach will continue in his position and enjoys the confidence of the federation.”

Arnold guided Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after taking charge in May 2025, steering the team through the final stages of qualification including a playoff win over Bolivia. At the tournament, Iraq lost its opening two Group I matches, 4-1 to Norway and 3-0 to France, leaving it bottom of the group without a point.

Iraq closes the group stage against Senegal on Friday. France and Norway, both on six points, have taken the group’s two automatic qualification places, but Iraq, level with Senegal on zero, can still finish third with a win and then wait to see whether it ranks among the eight best third-placed teams that advance to the Round of 32 under the expanded 48-team format.