Graham Arnold has stepped down as head coach of the Socceroos just three weeks out from Australia’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan in October.

Arnold’s departure comes after a disastrous start to the third round of their qualifying campaign, where the team picked up just one point from a possible six in the opening two games against Bahrain and Indonesia.

The team’s shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain was just the second time since 1981 that Australia has suffered defeat on home soil in such a fixture, while the 0-0 draw against 129th-ranked Indonesia led to widespread criticism, with Arnold saying he needed to go away and “think about things”.

The Socceroos currently sit fifth in Group C, and will meet bottom-placed China and top-placed Japan next month. 

Only the top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the teams in third and fourth can still qualify through future rounds.

Despite Football Australia CEO James Johnson publicly backing Arnold, the 61-year-old handed in his resignation last week, saying it was in the best interests of the team and the nation to step aside.

“Leading the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour,” he said in a statement.

“I’m incredibly proud of our achievements, from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage. After careful consideration, I believe it’s time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward.

“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.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone, particularly the Australian football family, who has been part of this journey over the past six years, and wish this incredible team and support staff nothing but success for this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Having led the Socceroos since 2018, Arnold oversaw the team’s best-ever finish at a men’s World Cup, edging past Denmark and Tunisia in the group stage before narrowly falling to eventual winners Argentina in the round of 16.

But that result was book-ended by underwhelming qualifying performances, as well as two quarterfinal exits at the Asian Cup, where many expected them to finish in the final four.

The 61-year-old went precariously close to getting the sack in 2022 after the Socceroos torpedoed their hopes of direct World Cup qualification, having to rely on Andrew Redmayne’s penalty shootout heroics against Peru to get to Qatar.

Following the Socceroos’ performance in Qatar, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year deal by Football Australia. 

He reportedly turned down approaches to coach at club level in order to guide Australia to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

He leaves as the longest-serving Socceroos coach in history, having overseen both the senior men’s and under-23 programs, and ushering through a new generation of players who will carry the team forward.

FA CEO James Johnson thanked Arnold for his contributions to the Australian game, and confirmed the search for his replacement was already underway.

“Graham Arnold’s departure marks the end of an era for Australian football,” Johnson said.

“His contributions to the sport and the Socceroos are there for all to see. Under Graham’s leadership, we achieved remarkable milestones that elevated Australian football on the global stage. Graham’s passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the team and Australian football.

“While we respect his decision and are saddened to see Graham leave the national team set-up, this scenario is not uncommon in international football. 

“We will act swiftly in appointing a new head coach to ensure continuity and stability, particularly as we approach the crucial second window of the AFC Asian qualifiers next month.

“Our focus now shifts to finding the right candidate who can build upon the foundations which Graham leaves behind and guide the team forward with confidence.

“Time is of the essence, and we are fully committed to making the transition as smooth as possible to keep the Socceroos on track for continued success.”