September 20 – After six years in charge, Graham Arnold has stepped down as Australia’s head coach ahead of their next World Cup qualifier in October. 

Arnold has had the job since August 2018, marking his second term with the side after a brief interim role from 2006 to 2007.

His surprise decision follows two recent poor performances by the Socceroos in World Cup qualifying, losing 1-0 at home to Bahrain and then held 0-0 away to Indonesia.

“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.

The 61-year-old oversaw Australia’s best-ever finish at a World Cup and two quarterfinal exits at the Asian Cup.

Two years ago, Australia did not qualify directly for the World Cup and had to rely on a playoff against Peru to get to Qatar. Once there, however, Australia beat Denmark and Tunisia before losing to eventual winners Argentina in the last 16.

Following those displays, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year deal and said in June that he believed he even had a squad capable of reaching the semi-finals at the World Cup in 2026.

But he has now opted instead to walk away from the final two years of that deal.

“I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players and Football Australia,” he said. “I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”

The Socceroos next host China in Adelaide on October 10 before facing undefeated Japan in Saitama on October 15.

“Graham Arnold’s departure marks the end of an era for Australian football,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson 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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