Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has acknowledged that his long-term future with the national team remains undecided, as his current deal is set to conclude after the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Speaking candidly, the 62-year-old revealed that while there have been informal indications from the Iraqi Football Association about continuing in the role, no official negotiations have taken place so far. For now, his attention is firmly fixed on preparing the team for their historic return to football’s biggest stage.
Arnold, who assumed charge of Iraq in May last year, emphasized that retirement is not on his radar. Instead, he remains driven by the challenge of guiding emerging football nations to major tournaments — a task he clearly relishes.
“The future is open,” he noted, suggesting that he is keeping his options flexible beyond the World Cup. “My focus is entirely on the tournament, but I still have the hunger to take on new challenges.”
The experienced coach previously led Australia to the knockout rounds at the 2022 World Cup, enhancing his reputation as a tactician capable of maximizing underdog teams.
Iraq secured their place in the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff held in Mexico — a result that marked their first World Cup qualification in four decades.
Arnold believes that journey has instilled confidence within the squad, positioning them as a dangerous outsider heading into the competition.
“We’ll go in as underdogs, but that suits us,” he said. “There’s no pressure — only opportunity. If people doubt us, that can become our biggest strength.”
With expectations low externally but belief growing internally, Iraq will look to defy the odds and make a memorable impact on the global stage.
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