Graham Arnold, who has gained recognition as an experienced specialist in the world of football, has officially been appointed as the head coach of the Iraq national team. The Australian coach arrived in Baghdad yesterday and signed a contract with the Iraq Football Federation. Another Australian, Luke Wilkshire, will also be part of his coaching staff.
Successful years with Australia
Arnold managed the Australian national team from 2018 to 2024. During this period, the team participated in 68 matches, recording 39 wins, 10 draws, and 19 losses. He also led Australia to the playoff stage of the 2022 World Cup, earning significant recognition.
However, in September 2023, after his team lost 0:1 to Bahrain and then displayed an unsuccessful performance in a 0:0 match against Indonesia, Arnold left his position.
A new chapter for Iraq
Now, the 60-year-old specialist is tasked with leading the Iraq team to the World Cup. Arnold's future will be directly linked to the results of his first official matches with Iraq.
The Iraq team will face a significant test against South Korea on June 5. Following that, a away match against Jordan is scheduled for June 10. The team's chances of advancing from the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage are considered realistic.
The Zamin.uz editorial team wishes Graham Arnold good luck in this new chapter of Middle Eastern football and will continue to observe how the future of the Iraq team unfolds. For the coach, this is not only a new challenge but also an opportunity to prove himself to the world once again.
