Graham Arnold has quit as coach of the Socceroos, Football Australia said Friday, following a poor start to the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“I love Australian football but I’m worn out from the game and I need a break,” said the 61-year-old, who had been in charge since 2018.
Arnold departs after a shock 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain earlier this month then a goalless draw at Indonesia that left Australia with one point from their opening two matches in the decisive third round of qualifying for 2026.
Arnold, who took the Socceroos to the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, said he had been considering his future since Australia lost to South Korea in the Asian Cup quarter-finals in February.
“I truly went to the Asian Cup thinking we were going to win it. Over the last six months I have tried to …