Who is Iraq’s coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The Round of 16 defeat to Argentina as Australia manager in 2022 will still be fresh in Graham Arnold’s mind as he prepares for a second successive appearance in the Finals.

With Iraq, however, a tougher task awaits the 62-year-old, who will become the first Australian to take charge of two countries at the World Cup.

Graham Arnold’s record as head coach:

• Matches: 361

• Wins: 193

• Draws: 84

• Losses: 84

• Win percentage: 53.46

Graham Arnold’s record as Iraq coach:

• Matches: 17

• Win: 9

• Draws: 3

• Losses: 5

• Win percentage: 52.94

What did Graham Arnold say before Iraq versus Norway?

“We’re in a really tough group, but at the same time the guys are really excited,” Arnold said. «Every day there is a countdown. The World Cup started four days ago.

«The boys have been through a lot of play-offs, a lot of pressure games. They had to play 21 World Cup qualifiers. It’s a good learning curve for them,» he said.

«We have to believe in ourselves and be ready to play. Qualification is not enough. I want more. It’s been a tough 12 months,» Arnold said. «Just coming here is not enough. They had a good party… It was congratulatory, but now we have to go to the World Cup and do our best and try to shock the world.

“We have everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Published on June 16, 2026