The Iraqi Football Association has reaffirmed its confidence in Australian coach Graham Arnold, who leads the national team, to “ensure optimal preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals,” scheduled to take place early next year in Saudi Arabia, the association announced on Monday.
اضافة اعلان
Executive board member Ahmed Al-Mousawi told the media, following a board meeting attended by association president and retired football star Younis Mahmoud, that “the executive board has officially decided to fully retain the services of Australian coach Graham Arnold to lead the Iraqi national team in the coming stage.”
He added that the association had decided to grant the 63-year-old coach full technical and administrative authority to ensure the best possible preparation for the upcoming Asian Cup.
Some Iraqi fans and media outlets had called on the association to dismiss Arnold following Iraq’s elimination in the group stage of the 2027 Arabian Gulf Cup, held in Saudi Arabia.
Iraq exited the tournament, known as the “27th Gulf Cup,” after an organizing committee draw was held to separate it from Oman, as the two teams were level on points (four), goals and even disciplinary cards.
Iraq is now looking ahead to the 2027 Asian Cup finals, where it will face Tajikistan, Australia and Singapore in Group D.
Arnold, who was appointed by the Iraqi Football Association in May 2025, successfully guided the national team through a lengthy campaign in the Asian and intercontinental playoffs to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will be Iraq’s second appearance at the tournament, following a 40-year absence.
Resource: AFP
