The Iraqi Football Association reaffirms its support for Australian coach Graham Arnold.

Some Iraqi fans and media outlets have called for the association to part ways with Arnold after the team exited the group stage of the Gulf Cup 2027 held in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq was eliminated from the "Gulf 27" tournament by a draw conducted by the organizing committee, after tying with Oman on points (4), goals, and even yellow cards.

Iraq is looking forward to participating in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, where it will face Tajikistan, Australia, and Singapore in Group D.

Arnold, who was hired by the Iraqi association in May 2025, successfully led the team to the 2026 World Cup after a long journey through the Asian and global playoffs, marking the second time in its history after a 40-year absence.

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Executive Committee member Ahmed Al-Moussawi told the media after the committee meeting attended by the association's president, retired star Younis Mahmoud, that "the Executive Committee has made an official decision to fully retain the services of coach Graham Arnold to lead the Iraqi national team in the upcoming phase."

He added that "the association has decided to grant coach Arnold (63 years old) full technical and administrative authority to ensure optimal preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup."

Some Iraqi fans and media outlets have called for the association to part ways with Arnold after the team exited the group stage of the Gulf Cup 2027 held in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq was eliminated from the "Gulf 27" tournament by a draw conducted by the organizing committee, after tying with Oman on points (4), goals, and even yellow cards.

Iraq is looking forward to participating in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, where it will face Tajikistan, Australia, and Singapore in Group D.

Arnold, who was hired by the Iraqi association in May 2025, successfully led the team to the 2026 World Cup after a long journey through the Asian and global playoffs, marking the second time in its history after a 40-year absence.