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Graham Arnold

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An Iraqi pilot gave Graham Arnold a special ring. He’s been charmed ever since

The former Socceroos boss is a national hero in Iraq for not only qualifying them for their first World Cup in 40 years, but immersing himself in their culture.

  • Vince Rugari

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The glowing red flare haze at Federation Square after the Socceroos scored.

Fed Square’s Socceroos snub is a win for killjoys, and a painful defeat for everyone else

Four years ago, images of Federation Square inspired the Socceroos to their best World Cup. But the powers that be have decided that we can’t have nice things.

  • Vince Rugari
Brothers Ramy and Tony Segar with family members who were at Sydney Airport to welcome back head coach Graham Arnold after the Iraqi National Football qualification for the World Cup.

‘He’ll always be a hero for us’: Iraqi Australians greet Arnold on return to Sydney

The Iraqi community was out in force at Sydney airport to welcome Graham Arnold back home after the coach guided Iraq back to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

  • Jonathan Drennan
Iraq’s coach Graham Arnold celebrates World Cup qualification.

Graham Arnold breaks Iraq’s 40-year World Cup drought with historic victory

Iraq has taken the final spot at the upcoming World Cup after a thrilling 2-1 win over Bolivia, with Graham Arnold becoming the first Australian men’s coach to qualify twice for the tournament – and with two different nations.

  • Vince Rugari
Iraq coach Graham Arnold speaks during a news conference ahead of a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, March 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Arnie heard the first bombs of the war go off. Now he can become a hero to 46 million people

Graham Arnold has gone from the edge of a war zone to the brink of the World Cup. As coach of Iraq, he will become a national hero if he can seal their first qualification in 40 years.

  • Vince Rugari
Graham Arnold and the Socceroos have some huge thinking to do.

‘I get mobbed’: Arnold opens up on brave new adventure in soccer-mad Iraq

After parting ways with the Socceroos seven months ago, some thought that may be the end for Graham Arnold. But he’s back, swept up in a tidal wave of support in Baghdad.

  • Vince Rugari
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Joe Montemurra and Graham Arnold

Joe Montemurro to coach Matildas, Graham Arnold to coach … Iraq?

Football Australia is close to sealing an agreement with their long-time target to coach the Matildas, while former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is reportedly set to join an Asian rival.

  • Vince Rugari
Nathan Cleary looks on from the stands at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.

Why the race to wear Jarome Luai’s vacant No. 6 jersey at Penrith remains wide open

Jack Cole was only fair in his audition for Jarome Luai’s Penrith No. 6 jersey; and Wayne Bennett on why he was happy to have five players in the All Stars.

  • Christian Nicolussi, Robert Dillon and Dan Walsh
Tony Popovic

‘No one is entitled to that shirt’: How Popovic plans to make Socceroos great again

Three days after Graham Arnold’s shock exit was publicised, his replacement has been unveiled - and has vowed to restore the fading pride in the Australian jersey.

  • Vince Rugari
Graham Arnold made the right call to depart the Socceroos.

Arnold is a Socceroos legend, but he should have left two years ago

Few have given more to the cause of Australian soccer than Graham Arnold has, or for as long as he has.

  • Vince Rugari