Graham Arnold will become the first Australian to be in charge more than one country at a FIFA World Cup when Iraq plays Norway. | Photo Credit: AP

The round of 16 defeat against Argentina as Australia manager in 2022 will still be fresh in Graham Arnold’s mind as he readies himself for a second consecutive appearance at the Finals.

However, with Iraq, a tougher task awaits the 62-year-old, who will become the first Australian to be in charge of two nations at the World Cup.

Graham Arnold’s record as head coach:

• Matches: 361
• Wins: 193
• Draws: 84
• Losses: 84
• Win percentage: 53.46

Graham Arnold’s record as Iraq’s coach:

• Matches: 17
• Wins: 9
• Draws: 3
• Losses: 5
• Win percentage: 52.94

What has Graham Arnold said before Iraq vs Norway?

“We are in a very difficult ⁠group but at the same time the boys are very excited,” Arnold said. “Every day is a countdown. The World Cup started ​four days ago.

“The boys have been through a lot of playoffs, a lot of pressure games. They had to play 21 World Cup qualifiers. It is a good ‌learning curve for them,” he said.

“We have to believe in ourselves and be ready to play. Qualification is not enough. I want more. It has been a ⁠tough 12 months,” Arnold said. “Just getting here is not ⁠enough. They had a good celebration ... It was congrats but now we have to go ‌to the World Cup and perform our best and try to shock the world.

“We have everything ​to gain and nothing to lose.”

Published on Jun 16, 2026