Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold has stepped down after a six-year stint at the helm.
The decision comes just weeks ahead of Australia’s next World Cup qualifier in October, leaving both the men’s and women’s national teams coachless.
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In a media release by the Socceroos, Arnold said he made the decision after “deep reflection” following the side’s latest World Cup qualifying results and realised “it’s time for change”.
“I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure,” he said.
“To witness the personal and football growth of this playing group, the identity and brotherhood which has been formed and now revered by others, and the way this team galvanised a country during its record-breaking feats in Qatar will forever be highlights.
Arnold’s decision follows Australia’s less-than-desirable start to its World Cup third-round qualification, where it picked up just one point from a possible six in its opening two games.
The Socceroos fell short to Bahrain on the Gold Coast, 0-1 and then drew 0-0 with Indonesia in Jakarta.
Australia hosts China in Adelaide on October 10 before heading to Saitama to face an undefeated Japan on October 15.
During his six years, Arnold led Australia to its best-ever finish at the World Cup and two quarter-final exits at the Asian Cup.
He signed a four-year deal in 2022 when he over Australia to the final 16 of the 2002 World Cup and was expected to take the team to the 2026 tournament.