The Iraqi national team, also known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, has renewed its faith in coach Graham Arnold, despite the team's early exit from the 2026 World Cup. A source within the Iraqi Football Association confirmed that Arnold will arrive in Baghdad next week to sign a new contract.
Details and Conditions of Arnold's New Contract
The two parties have agreed on the outline of the new agreement, which includes specific conditions to ensure the achievement of the required goals. The new agreement will last for 4 years, with an annual financial value of $1 million.
Reasons for Renewing Faith Despite World Cup Disappointment
The decision to keep Arnold was made by the Iraqi Football Association to maintain technical stability and build on the historic qualification for the World Cup. Arnold had taken over the team in May 2025, replacing Spanish coach Jesús Casas, and successfully led Iraq to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-22 | France vs Iraq | 3-0 |
Current Situation of the Team
The Iraqi national team's last result was a 3-0 loss to France on 2026-06-22. The team is looking to improve its performance in upcoming matches, while maintaining its faith in coach Graham Arnold. Recent form: 0W-1D-4L (LDLLL, most recent first).
Iraq Hub