Australia head coach Graham Arnold has stepped down, stating it is “best for the nation” after a disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 61-year-old ended his second six-year tenure following a surprising 1-0 home loss to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw against Indonesia.
The Socceroos now face the task of finding a permanent replacement before their next World Cup qualifier against China, scheduled for October 10.
“After our game against Indonesia, I knew I had some decisions to make. Upon reflection, my gut told me it was time for a change,” Arnold said in a statement.
“I’ve decided to resign because it’s what’s best for the nation, the players, and Football Australia. I’ve given everything to this role, and I’m proud of what has been accomplished during my time.”
Arnold guided Australia to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Argentina.
Despite Football Australia chief executive James Johnson recently expressing confidence in Arnold to turn things around, the coach felt it was the right time to leave.
Arnold, a former Socceroos striker, first became Australia’s assistant coach in 2000, and briefly served as interim head coach following Guus Hiddink’s departure in 2006.
He returned in 2018 after Australia’s disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia, where they finished at the bottom of Group C.
While initially supporting Arnold, Johnson acknowledged the coach had “run out of gas” and expressed hope that a new appointment could still lead the Socceroos to World Cup qualification.
The team currently sits fifth in their Asian qualifying group, with only the top two from each group earning direct qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Source-BBC
