Graham Arnold has stepped down as head coach of the Australian men’s soccer team after six years, following two disappointing results in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Soccer Australia announced on Friday that Arnold informed them of his decision earlier this week. The organization will now look for a new head coach.
Arnold had been in charge since August 2018, having previously served in an interim role from 2006 to 2007.
His resignation comes after the Socceroos managed to earn only one point from six possible in their first two qualifying games. They lost 1-0 to Bahrain in Australia and drew 0-0 against Indonesia.
“I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the program,” Arnold stated in a message from Football Australia.
“I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players, and Football Australia. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”
During his time, the 61-year-old Arnold led Australia to their best-ever finish at a World Cup and two quarterfinal exits at the Asian Cup.
Two years ago, Australia didn’t qualify directly for the World Cup and had to depend on Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shootout against Peru to make it to Qatar in 2022. Once there, Australia won against Denmark and Tunisia before losing to Argentina in the round of 16.
After the team’s performance in Qatar, Arnold received a new four-year contract. He mentioned in June that he believed he had a squad capable of reaching the semifinals at the World Cup in North America in 2026.
