Iraq football federation reviews 2026 World Cup performance, eyes contract talks with Arnold

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Football Federation convened an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday to assess the national team's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Iraq exited at the group stage after consecutive defeats to Norway, France and Senegal. The session is reviewing reports submitted by head coach Graham Arnold, whose contract expired following the early elimination. Federation President Yunus Mahmud met with Arnold and expressed appreciation for his work, according to a federation statement. Officials said discussions also covered a long-term plan aimed at qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. Arnold, currently on a family vacation in Canada, is expected to travel to Baghdad within two weeks to begin negotiations on a new contract. The federation said contract renewal talks have made significant progress, though no agreement has been announced.