Graham Arnold has stepped down as the head coach of the Australian men’s football team after six years at the helm, following recent disappointing performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Football Australia announced on Friday that Arnold, 61, communicated his decision to resign earlier this week. The organization has begun the search for a new head coach to lead the Socceroos forward.
Arnold’s resignation comes on the heels of Australia’s lackluster start in the third round of World Cup qualifying, where they secured just one point from a possible six. The team suffered a 1-0 loss to Bahrain on the Gold Coast and managed a goalless draw against Indonesia away from home.
“I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the program,” Arnold said in a statement released by Football Australia. “I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players, and Football Australia. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”
Arnold’s tenure, which began in August 2018, marked his second stint as head coach after previously serving from 2006 to 2007. Under his leadership, the Socceroos achieved their best-ever finish at a World Cup and reached the quarterfinals in two Asian Cup tournaments.
Despite facing challenges in World Cup qualification two years ago, where Australia had to win a penalty shootout against Peru to secure their spot in Qatar 2022, the team performed admirably. The Socceroos defeated Denmark and Tunisia before narrowly losing to eventual champions Argentina in the round of 16.
Following the success in Qatar, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year contract, expressing optimism about the future. In June, he highlighted his belief in the squad’s potential to reach the semifinals at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
As Football Australia begins the process of appointing a new head coach, fans and players alike will be eager to see how the next chapter unfolds for the Socceroos on the international stage.
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Graham Arnold resigns as coach of the Australian men's football team
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