Official: Graham Arnold Signs Contract Renewal

Australian Graham Arnold has embarked on his third mission with the Iraq Football Association after completing all contract renewal procedures, continuing to lead the "Lions of Mesopotamia" in the upcoming period, following the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Arnold has successfully led Iraq back to the World Cup after a long absence of 40 years, with their only previous participation being in the 1986 edition in Mexico. The 'Lions of Mesopotamia' will return once again for the 2026 tournament.

Sources have confirmed that the Iraqi Football Association has completed all aspects related to the renewal of Australian coach Graham Arnold's contract today, Wednesday. Arnold has signed the contract sent to him by the association, ensuring he remains the national team coach until after the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Sources indicate that some administrative procedures will be completed in the capital, Baghdad, as the federation anticipates Arnold's arrival at the beginning of next week, coinciding with the start of the first round of the Iraqi Stars League for the 2026-2027 season. The coach aims to be present early to closely monitor local players.

After the departure of his assistant Rene Meulensteen, Arnold decided to promote his second assistant Luke Wilkshire to the position of first assistant, with plans to hire a new assistant once the contract is finalized.

There will not be enough time to bring a local coach into the staff at this stage, while the current goalkeeper coach and technical analyst will continue their work within the team.

This phase marks Graham Arnold's third tenure with the national team. The first lasted until the end of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the second was extended until the end of July last year, and now the third begins with a new contract.

According to the agreement, the contract will extend for 7 months until February, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with a monthly salary of $75,000, without any additional obligations or penalties after the contract period ends.