Sat May 10 09:43:04 UTC 2025: ## Aussie Arnold Takes Iraq Coaching Reins Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
**Baghdad, Iraq –** Veteran Australian coach Graham Arnold has been appointed as the new head coach of the Iraqi national football team, the Iraq Football Association announced on social media today. Arnold, 61, replaces Jesus Casas, who departed following Iraq’s 2-1 defeat to Palestine in March.
The announcement, accompanied by photographs of Arnold’s arrival in Baghdad, comes as Iraq faces critical World Cup qualifying matches against South Korea and Jordan next month. Currently third in Group B, four points behind leaders South Korea and one behind Jordan, Iraq’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup – their first appearance since 1986 – rest heavily on Arnold’s shoulders.
Arnold, who led Australia to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, resigned from his post last September following a disappointing start to the current qualifying campaign. His first matches in charge of Iraq will be a crucial clash against South Korea in Basra on June 5th, followed by a match against Jordan in Amman five days later. The top two teams in each group automatically qualify for the World Cup.
The appointment marks a swift return to international management for Arnold, adding significant experience and a proven track record to Iraq’s bid for World Cup glory.
First Piper 