In a significant move, Graham Arnold has resigned as the head coach of the Australian men's football team, the Socceroos, after six years at the helm. Arnold's decision comes in the wake of two recent disappointing performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Football Australia announced on Friday that Arnold had informed them earlier in the week of his intention to step down. The organization is now set to begin the search for a new head coach to lead the team forward.
Arnold's tenure with the Socceroos began in August 2018, marking his second stint with the team following a brief interim role from 2006 to 2007. Under his leadership, Australia achieved its best-ever World Cup finish and reached the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup twice.
The recent qualifying campaign saw the Socceroos secure only one point from a possible six, losing 1-0 to Bahrain on the Gold Coast and drawing 0-0 away to Indonesia. These results have underscored the need for a new direction for both Arnold and the team.
In his resignation statement, Arnold reflected on his time with the team, stating, \"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.\"
At 61, Arnold leaves behind a legacy that includes Australia's performance in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where the team advanced from a challenging playoff against Peru to reach the last 16 before being narrowly defeated by eventual champions Argentina.
Following the 2022 World Cup, Arnold was granted a new four-year contract, during which he had expressed confidence in leading Australia to a semifinal appearance in the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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Graham Arnold resigns as coach of the Australian men's football team
cgtn.com
