FILES: Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraq national football team.
Graham Arnold signs short term Iraq extension, turning down four-year deal
BAGHDAD — Graham Arnold has signed a six-month extension as Iraq’s national team coach after rejecting the Iraqi Football Association’s offer of four years, saying a long contract would cost him his motivation.
“I renewed my contract for six months, and this decision is in my interest and the interest of the Iraqi national team, although the federation offered me a four-year renewal,” he told a news conference. “If I stayed for four years, I would become the longest-serving coach in the history of Iraqi football, but I believe signing for such a long period is not the best option for me because I might lose the passion that comes with having the job, and that could negatively affect results.”
The term takes him through the Gulf Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and no further. “I have great enthusiasm for my new chapter with the national team,” he said. “I am seeking to make Iraqi football successful.”
He said the Gulf Cup squad would contain new names. “You will see new faces in the Iraqi national team at the Gulf Cup because I am following players inside and outside Iraq,” he said, adding that anyone picked would have to be ready. “I believe in the local players, and I am keen to follow their levels closely to select players who can serve the national team.” He described both tournaments as preparation for what comes after.
Arnold took charge in May 2025 after Jesús Casas left, and led Iraq through the Asian and intercontinental playoffs to a second World Cup appearance, beating Bolivia 2-1 on March 31 to end a 40-year absence. At the tournament Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway, 3-0 to France and 5-0 to Senegal, finishing bottom of Group I with one goal scored and 12 conceded. Iraq is drawn in Group D of the Asian Cup with Australia, Tajikistan and Singapore, putting him against the side he coached for a record 72 internationals.
Muqtada al-Sadr called in late June for immediate and decisive changes to the team’s management and coaching after the World Cup and qualifying performances.