Iraqi FA prioritizes stability, aims to keep Arnold after World Cup exit

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Football Association said it is prioritizing technical stability after the national team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup, with both the federation and Australian coach Graham Arnold interested in continuing their work together.

Youssef Fael, director of the federation’s media office, told the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper that the federation wants to keep the coaching staff and build on what has been achieved ahead of upcoming competitions.

He said the committee assigned to negotiate a contract renewal will include federation president Younis Mahmoud, first deputy Sarmad Abdul-Ilah and second deputy Mohammed Nasser.

Fael denied reports that a draft list of decisions would be presented to Arnold during the meeting, saying such claims were baseless.

He said all technical matters, including player call-ups and squad selection, remain the responsibility of the coaching staff, and that the federation does not interfere in the coach’s decisions.

Iraq exited the World Cup without a point after finishing bottom of Group I with three defeats. The team opened with a 4-1 loss to Norway, then lost 3-0 to France before a 5-0 defeat to Senegal in its final group match. Iraq scored one goal and conceded 12 across the three games, ending with a goal difference of minus-11.

The campaign was not without bright spots, with Aymen Hussein’s equalizer against Norway briefly leveling the opener before individual errors proved costly across all three matches. The Senegal defeat was compounded by a red card for defender Rebin Sulaka in the 13th minute, and the sending-off proved his final act for Iraq, as the 34-year-old retired from international soccer days later after an 11-year career.

Arnold, who took charge in May 2025, guided Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, including a playoff win over Bolivia, in what was the country’s first appearance in 40 years and only its second, after Mexico 1986.

Before the Senegal match, Arnold said he had discussed extending his contract with the federation beyond the tournament. His current deal expires in a few weeks. Mahmoud also said Arnold was not leaving and that the federation was working to extend the Australian’s contract rather than seeking a replacement.