From Australia to Iraq: Graham Arnold becomes the next head coach of the Middle East national team

Graham Arnold, a veteran football coach, has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Iraqi national team. The Australian coach arrived in Baghdad yesterday and signed a contract with the Iraqi Football Federation. Another Australian, Luke Wilkshire, will also work on his coaching staff.

Successful years with Australia

Arnold managed the Australian national team from 2018 to 2024. During this period, the team played 68 matches, recorded 39 wins, 10 draws and 19 losses. He also earned great recognition by leading Australia to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.

However, in September 2023, Arnold left his post after his team lost first to Bahrain with a score of 0: 1 and then to Indonesia with a score of 0: 0.

A new page for Iraq

Now, the 60-year-old specialist is taking on the task of leading the Iraqi national team to the World Cup. Arnold's future will directly depend on the results of his first official matches with Iraq.

The Iraqi national team will face a big test against South Korea on June 5. Then, on June 10, an away match against Jordan awaits. The team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are real.

The Zamin.uz editorial team wishes Graham Arnold good luck in this new page in Middle Eastern football and continues to monitor how the future of the Iraqi national team will be shaped. For the coach, this is not only a new challenge, but also an opportunity to prove himself to the world once again. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!