Iraq plan to add local assistant to Graham Arnold’s coaching staff ahead of Asian Cup

The Iraq Football Association is preparing to appoint an Iraqi coach as an assistant to Australia’s Graham Arnold as the national team begins its preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The move is part of an effort to strengthen Arnold’s coaching staff and help improve the team’s fortunes after a disappointing campaign at the most recent Gulf Cup.

The New Arab reported that the current plan is to bring in an Iraqi coach to work alongside Arnold, with further details expected to be finalised in the coming period.

Younis Mahmoud, president of the Iraq Football Association, confirmed on Thursday evening that the federation was considering adding another coach to the national team’s technical staff. He said the identity of the proposed appointment and the arrangements for joining the team would be decided at a later date.

Mahmoud also said he had met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi to discuss matters relating to the work of the football association and ways of providing it with further support.

The president said the details of those discussions would be announced through the media in the coming period.

Iraq are preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February. They will begin their campaign against Tajikistan on 10 January before facing Australia on 14 January and Singapore on 19 January.

The team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, will be seeking a stronger performance in the continental tournament after failing to progress from the group stage of the most recent Gulf Cup.

Iraq opened that competition with a 1-1 draw against Oman, then defeated Kuwait 3-2. Their campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia, leaving them out of the knockout stages.

The planned addition to Arnold’s staff would give the Iraq head coach an Iraqi assistant as the team builds towards the Asian Cup. The federation has not yet announced who will take the role or when the appointment will be completed.