The Iraqi Football Association is considering adding an Iraqi coach to the senior national team’s technical staff as it prepares for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The proposed appointment would see a local coach work as assistant to Australia’s Graham Arnold, who is the current head coach of Iraq. The details of the role, including the identity of the potential appointee, are expected to become clearer in the coming period.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen the national team ahead of the continental tournament and address concerns following Iraq’s disappointing campaign at the most recent Gulf Cup.
The report was made by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, which said the current direction was to bring an Iraqi coach into Arnold’s staff. No final decision on the appointment has yet been announced.
Iraq Football Association president Younis Mahmoud confirmed on Thursday that there was an intention to add another coach to the technical team. He said the coach’s identity and the arrangements for joining the staff would be decided at a later stage.
Mahmoud also revealed that he had held a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Discussions focused on the work of the football association and ways of providing it with further support. Mahmoud said details of those talks would be announced through the media in the coming period.
The 2027 Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February. Iraq will begin their campaign against Tajikistan on 10 January, before facing Australia on 14 January and Singapore on 19 January.
The additions to Iraq’s coaching structure are being considered as the team seeks a stronger performance in the Asian Cup after exiting the latest Gulf Cup in the group stage.
Iraq began that tournament with a 1-1 draw against Oman. They then recorded a 3-2 victory over Kuwait, but their campaign ended after a 2-0 defeat by Saudi Arabia.
The proposed appointment would therefore provide Arnold with an Iraqi assistant before Iraq’s return to continental competition. However, the association has yet to confirm who will take the position or when the new member of the coaching staff will begin work.