Soccer-Iraq's Australian coach Arnold renews contract for six months

Iraq's ​Australian coach Graham Arnold ​has renewed his ‌contract with ​the team until 2027, the country's FA said on Monday.

After ‌weeks of speculation, the IFA made the announcement at a press conference attended by the 63-year-old, confirming ‌he would remain in charge through the Gulf ‌Cup in Saudi Arabia in September, as well as the Asian Cup early next year. "I have renewed my contract ⁠for six ​months and ⁠this decision is in my best interest and in the ⁠best interest of the Iraq national team, although the ​association offered me a four-year extension," Arnold was ⁠quoted as saying by the Iraqi News Agency.

Arnold guided ⁠Iraq ​to this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ending a 40-year ⁠absence from the tournament. However, Iraq exited at the group ⁠stage ⁠after losing all of their Group I matches against Norway, France and Senegal.