After "Gulf 27"... a decisive decision from the Iraqi Federation regarding the future of Graham Arnold

- The Iraqi Football Association announced through its account on the Facebook platform, on Monday, that Graham Arnold, coach of the “Mesopotamia Lions”, will continue in his position. The Iraqi Federation said that it renewed confidence in the Australian after a meeting held under the chairmanship of Younis Mahmoud, while granting the technical director absolute powers to ensure optimal preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

This decision came from the Iraqi Football Association shortly after the “Lions of Mesopotamia” were eliminated from the first round of the “Arabian Gulf” Cup Championship, which was held in the city of Jeddah. Under Arnold's leadership, the Iraqi national team achieved victory over Kuwait in the "Gulf 27", compared to a defeat from Saudi Arabia and a draw with Oman, leveling with the latter in points and goal difference before the draw resulted in the qualification of the "Omani Red".

Last August, the Iraqi Federation renewed Graham Arnold's contract until the Asian Finals scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. Arnold (63 years old) took over as coach of the Iraqi national team in May 2025, and since then he has led it in 22 matches in various competitions, achieving victory in 10 matches, losing in 7 and drawing in 3.