Graham Arnold will coach Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

“He’s the main reason we have such a good culture in the group,” gun forward Mathew Leckie said in December. “And while there may have been a lot of negative talk about whether he’s the right man for the job over the last six months, I think he’s proven that and he deserves it.”

FA had pledged not to approach other candidates until they had a response from Arnold.

He is entrusted with nurturing a wealth of young talented players including Garang Kuol, Harry Souttar, Marco Tilio, Riley McGree and Keanu Baccus.

Arnold, who took on the role after the 2018 World Cup, had time to reflect on his future after a grueling qualifying campaign and tournament. That included being in turnstiles and hotel quarantine while also contracting COVID-19 twice.

Arnold’s agent Tony Rallis told News Corp that talks were “going well” but would not confirm the deal was signed.

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The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will expand to 48 teams.

But Arnold’s first test will come at the Asian Cup in Qatar in June when he will eye redemption for the quarter-finals in 2019.

AAP

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