Iraq Coach Graham Arnold Weighs Future After Historic World Cup Qualification

Arnold focused on World Cup with Iraq, says retirement “not on my mind” as talks stall

Iraq coach Graham Arnold says his future is undecided with his contract ending after the World Cup. The 62-year-old Australian, who led Iraq to their first World Cup in 40 years, insists retirement isn’t planned and remains motivated by guiding underdogs on the global stage.

Graham Arnold undecided on Iraq future as contract expires after first World Cup in 40 years...

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold says his future beyond the World Cup is still undecided. His contract expires after the tournament and no formal talks have happened yet, though retirement isn’t on his mind.

The 62-year-old Australian, who took charge of Iraq in May last year, said he’s keeping his options open and wants to focus completely on the World Cup, where the team will make its first appearance in 40 years.

“The book is open. My contract finishes straight after the World Cup. ‌There has been talk about them ⁠wanting me to stay ‌on, but I haven't had anything formal yet,” Arnold told AAP.

“I really don't want anything formal yet. I want to go to the World Cup and enjoy it and after that I've got to make a decision whether to stay on or move on.”

Arnold, who led his native Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said the chance to manage teams that have struggled to reach major tournaments still drives him.

“There's some nations that I look at and I think to myself, they haven't qualified for a long time, I'd like to do it again,” he said.

“I've obviously had the experience throughout Asia, but I'm nowhere near ready to retire.”

Hayder congratulates Iraq on World Cup qualification 🇮🇶… while Sadio predicts the score 😄
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— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 1, 2026

Iraq booked their World Cup spot by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in Mexico in their inter-confederation playoff earlier this month.

Arnold said Iraq’s qualification run strengthened his belief that the team can trouble more established nations on the world stage.

“We're going out there with nothing to lose and everything to gain, and with the chance to shock the world,” he said.

“We'll be the underdog. We'll be fighters. If no one is giving us ⁠a chance, we ⁠can go there and ‌achieve something special.”