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Reuters

Graham Arnold has resigned as Australia coach after a poor start to Asia’s third phase of World Cup qualifying, governing body Football Australia said on Friday.
Arnold advised the governing body earlier this week of his decision and it was accepted by the board, the FA said in a statement.
Officials said they were focused on appointing a new head coach ahead of the third round of qualifying next month, which sees Australia take on China in Adelaide on October 10 before facing undefeated Japan in Saitama five days later.
Arnold’s resignation follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Asian minnows Indonesia in World Cup qualifying.
“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 programme,” Arnold said in a statement issued by 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.”
The 61-year-old Arnold oversaw Australia’s best finish at a World Cup and two quarter-final exits at the Asian Cup.
Two years ago, Australia did not qualify directly for the World Cup and had to rely on Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shoot-out against Peru to get to Qatar in 2022. Once there, Australia beat Denmark and Tunisia before narrowly falling to eventual winners Argentina in the last-16 phase.
Following Australia’s performance in Qatar, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year deal. Arnold said in June he believed he had a squad capable of reaching the semi-finals at the World Cup in North America in 2026.
But the former Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners coach in the A-League has opted to walk away from the final two years of that deal.
“Graham Arnold’s departure marks the end of an era for Australian football.” James Johnson, the Football Australia CEO, said in a statement. “His contributions to the sport … are there for all to see.
“Under Graham’s leadership, we achieved remarkable milestones that elevated Australian football on the global stage.”


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Graham Arnold has stepped down from his role as Australia manager following a disappointing start to the third phase of qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Reuters

Australia suffered a shock home defeat to Bahrain during qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: AFP

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Sport

Football

Decision follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Indonesia


Decision follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Indonesia.
