MELBOURNE: Graham Arnold has resigned as coach of the Australia national soccer team, ending his second six-year stint after a disappointing start to Australia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
A 10 home defeat to Bahrain and a subsequent goalless draw against Indonesia had raised concerns over the team’s direction.
Arnold announced his resignation a week earlier despite the support of Football Australia (FA) chief executive James Johnson. Johnson had publicly backed the 61-year-old coach, believing he could still get the team back on track. However, Arnold felt it was time for a change.
“I said after our match against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after some deep reflection, my gut told me it was time for a change. I have made the decision to resign based on what is best for the country, the players and Football Australia. I have given my all to my role, and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved during my tenure,” Arnold said in a statement released by the EFA.
Arnold’s resignation came as a shock to many, especially after his success in leading Australia to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Under his leadership, the Socceroos exceeded expectations, winning two group-stage matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.
But despite their impressive showing in Qatar, Australia’s struggles in the Asian region continue. Once a regional powerhouse, the team has been unable to recapture that form after winning the 2015 Asia Cup. The Socceroos exited the Asia Cup in the quarter-finals in both 2019 and 2023 under Arnold’s tenure, unable to solve their persistent attacking issues.
FA chief executive James Johnson, speaking at a news conference, acknowledged Arnold’s decision and said the governing body was now focused on appointing a new coach ahead of Australia’s next World Cup qualifier against China in October.
“We have a game in less than three weeks, so we don’t plan to hire an interim coach,” Johnson said. “We plan to go into the market and hire a permanent coach, a coach who we believe shares our vision and will get the best out of this team as we go to the World Cup in 2026.”
Image Credit: Khas-Khabar.