Graham Arnold says Iraq future depends on football association decision

Australian coach Graham Arnold says his future as Iraq manager will be determined by whether the Iraqi Football Association wants him to remain in charge.

Speculation over Arnold’s position has increased since the decision to postpone the Asian Cup by one year. The 61-year-old said he was disappointed by the delay but believed it could provide an opportunity to refresh the national team.

“Whether I stay depends on the wishes of the Iraqi Football Association,” Arnold said at a news conference. “I am frustrated by the postponement of the Asian Cup, but it is a good opportunity to renew the squad.”

Arnold also insisted that he and his players remained committed to the job.

“I have not lost my passion, and neither have the players,” he added. “But I am disappointed by the decision to postpone the Asian Cup, although it was an opportunity to renew the national team.”

His comments came after Iraqi broadcaster I NEWS reported that Julian Nagelsmann, Sebastian Beccacece, Hossam Hassan, Waleed Regragui and Jamal Sellami were among the candidates being considered to take charge of Iraq.

I NEWS described Hossam Hassan as the leading Arab choice to manage the national team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Sarmad Abdulilah, vice-president of the Iraqi Football Association, responded to the report on the same channel. He praised Hassan but denied that the former Egypt manager was currently under consideration.

“Hossam Hassan is an accomplished coach and performed impressively with Egypt at the World Cup,” Abdulilah said. “If he is one of the options being considered, he would be an excellent choice, but I deny this at present.”

The Football Association announced the departure of Hassan as Egypt manager and appointed Ali Maher as his successor.

Hassan took charge of Egypt in 2022 and led the Pharaohs to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before reaching the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

He has also managed Jordan, as well as Egyptian clubs Zamalek, Al Masry, Egyptian Telecommunications, Smouha, Misr Lel Makkasa and Al Ittihad Alexandria.