Graham Arnold will be given the chance to become the first coach to lead the Socceroos into two FIFA World Cups after signing an extension to lead Australia’s men to the end of the 2026 cycle.
The extension, announced by Football Australia on Monday, represents a remarkable turnaround for Arnold, who last March appeared on the brink of being sacked after the Socceroos were condemned to qualifying for the World Cup via the playoffs after a defeat to Japan.
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However, granted a reprieve and subsequently steering Australian past the UAE and Peru to secure qualification, he was in the dugout as the Socceroos created history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the side bouncing back from a heavy opening defeat to France to record back-to-back wins over Tunisia and Denmark to book a place in the round of 16.
There, they pushed eventual champions Argentina to the brink of extra time; Emiliano Martínez producing a last-gasp save to deny Garang Kuol and ensure La Albiceleste progressed.
It was the first time since 2006 that the Socceroos had advanced to the knockout stages, and the group one-upped that Golden Generation by becoming the first Australian men’s team to win two games at the tournament.
In the aftermath of that performance, it also made Football Australia’s move to offer Arnold a new contract a fait accompli, the only question was if he would accept the call to return or instead head back to club coaching after reported interest from Scottish, English, American, and Asian outfits.
