Melbourne
Graham Arnold has stepped down as the head coach of the Australian national football team, ending his second term after six years. His resignation follows a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which included a 1-0 loss to Bahrain and a goalless draw with Indonesia, raising concerns about the team’s future.
Despite receiving support from Football Australia CEO James Johnson just a week prior, Arnold felt it was time for a change. After our game against Indonesia, I reflected deeply, and my gut told me it was time to step down, Arnold said in a statement. He emphasized that his decision was made with the best interests of the nation, players, and Football Australia in mind, expressing pride in his accomplishments during his tenure.
Arnold’s departure surprised many, especially after his success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he led Australia to the knockout stage for the first time. However, the team has struggled in recent Asian competitions, exiting the Asian Cup in the quarter-finals in both 2019 and 2023.
James Johnson confirmed that Football Australia aims to hire a permanent coach before the next World Cup qualifier against China in October, stressing the importance of finding someone who aligns with their vision for the team’s future.
