Iraq Football Federation set to open talks with Graham Arnold on four-year contract extension

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraq Football Federation is preparing to open formal negotiations with Australian national team head coach Graham Arnold over a new long-term contract. Federation sources said the proposed four-year deal is intended to bring the national team to a competitive level for upcoming tournaments and build a sustainable squad, with a focus on giving more opportunities to younger players and gradually refreshing the roster. If an agreement is reached, Arnold would remain in charge of Iraq beyond the 2026 World Cup. Federation officials linked the planned extension to a broader project aimed at establishing long-term continuity in the coaching setup and the playing squad. Under Arnold, Iraq exited the 2026 World Cup at the group stage after defeats in all three Group G matches against France, England and Senegal. No further details on the timing of the negotiations were immediately available.