Iraqi FA in Talks with Graham Arnold for Contract Renewal

Graham Arnold, the coach of the Iraqi national team, has started negotiations with the Iraqi Football Association to renew his contract with the 'Lions of Mesopotamia', following the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iraq played in Group 9 alongside France, Norway, and Senegal, suffering three defeats. The team conceded 12 goals and managed to score only one, finishing at the bottom of the standings among the 48 teams participating in the tournament.

The committee appointed by the Iraqi Football Federation, led by President Younis Mahmoud and his deputies Sarmad Abdul Ilah and Mohammed Nasser, held a meeting with Australian coach Graham Arnold to discuss renewing his contract as head coach of the Iraqi national team.

Continuous meetings are being held via video conferencing using the "remote learning system," attended by Ghaith Mahna, advisor to the President of the Iraqi Football Federation, coach Graham Arnold, his agent Tony Ralls, and the Iraqi national team's translator Ali Abbas.

The negotiation meetings aim to reach common ground agreed upon by both parties, "the Iraq Football Federation and Graham Arnold," in preparation for renewing the contract with the coach who led Iraq's national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the second time in the history of their World Cup participation.

Negotiations between the FFA and Graham Arnold are progressing positively, and a resolution is expected within three to four days. An official announcement regarding the contract renewal could be made at any moment once a final agreement is reached.

The Iraqi Football Federation's perspective closely aligns with coach Graham Arnold's vision for the next phase, particularly concerning a shake-up within the national team and introducing fresh talent. The starting point will be the Gulf Cup "Gulf 27," scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next September.

The Iraq Football Federation appointed Graham Arnold in May 2025, succeeding Spanish coach Jesus Casas, betting on him to achieve the dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Arnold succeeded in this mission, leading Iraq to the World Cup for the second time in its history, after a 40-year absence.

Both parties are now concentrating on the next phase, which requires a technical renewal and leveraging the lessons learned from the World Cup, in order to prepare a team capable of competing strongly in upcoming regional and continental tournaments.