Younis Mahmoud Decides the Fate of Graham Arnold's File

Younis Mahmoud, the new president of the Iraqi Football Association, reassured the national team coach Graham Arnold about his future with the Lions of Mesopotamia, affirming the commitment to him and granting him full authority to lead the team in the critical phase leading up to the 2026 World Cup finals.

Mahmoud's stance came just hours after his victory in the association's presidency election in Baghdad, which ousted the previous administration of Adnan Dirjal. The new president was keen to send a direct message to the technical staff and players despite the team's current camp in Girona, Spain, where they are preparing to face Andorra and Spain as part of the final preparations for the World Cup.

In a phone call with Ghaith Mahna, the former administrative manager of the team and the association's coordinator in Australia, Mahmoud said: "Graham Arnold should be reassured. The new association will provide him with everything he needs for success, we are committed to him and his services, and he has absolute authority in his work." 

He added: "I want Arnold to be the first and last responsible for the technical aspect. Convey my regards to the players and the administrative and technical staff, everything will go well, and Iraq's participation in the World Cup will be honorable. I will visit the delegation soon to personally oversee the situation."

Sources close to the association clarified that Mahmoud does not intend to make any changes to the team's structure or technical staff before the World Cup kicks off. Any expected changes will be postponed until after the tournament and will be limited to some administrative positions only, while keeping the technical staff led by Arnold, as the new president is convinced of the Australian coach's competence and his team's.

The sources indicated that Mahmoud is awaiting the completion of the executive office formation to hold the first official meeting tomorrow, Sunday, after which he will travel to Spain to meet the delegation directly and convey a clear message to the players that support and attention will continue without retreat.

The decision to retain Arnold reflects the new administration's desire to avoid any technical upheavals months before the major event. The Iraqi team enters the 2026 World Cup after a long absence, and any sudden change in the technical staff could disrupt the preparations that have reached their final stages.