Baghdad: Led by Younis Mahmoud, crucial negotiations are underway to renew Graham Arnold's contract with the "Lions of Mesopotamia". The committee appointed by the Iraqi Football Association, headed by its president Younis Mahmoud and his deputies Sarmad Abdul-Ilah and Mohammed Nasser, met via video conference with Australian coach Graham Arnold to discuss renewing his contract, which expires on July 31, after he led the national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting also included Ghaith Muhanna, who serves as an advisor to the president, Tony Ralls, the coach's agent, and Ali Abbas, the team's translator. The discussions are aimed at securing Arnold's continued leadership as the head coach of the Iraqi national football team, following their successful qualification for the World Cup.