United News of Bangladesh

Graham Arnold has extended his contract as Iraq's head coach until the 2027 Asian Cup, a few months after leading the team to its first World Cup appearance in 40 years. The 63-year-old former Australia coach has agreed to a six-month extension, despite receiving an offer for a four-year contract from the Iraq Football Association. “I have renewed my contract for six months and this decision is in my best interest and in the best interest of the Iraq national team,” Arnold told reporters in Baghdad on Monday. Arnold took charge of Iraq in May 2025 and helped the team qualify for the 2026 World Cup through an intercontinental playoff. It was Iraq's first World Cup appearance in four decades. Despite serious logistical challenges caused by conflict in the Middle East, Iraq secured the final place among the 48 teams competing at the tournament. Iraq lost all three of its group matches against Norway, France and Senegal in June. However, the campaign gave the players valuable experience against some of the world's top footballers, including France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland. At the 2027 Asian Cup, Iraq will be in a group with Australia, Singapore and Tajikistan. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in January. Iraq, which won the Asian Cup in 2007, will begin its preparations at the Gulf Cup in September. Arnold said he returned early to scout new players and prepare the squad for both tournaments. “I returned early to watch and identify new players ahead of the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup and to build the team for the future,” he said. “You will see new faces in the next phase.”