Graham Arnold decided to resign as coach of the Australian National Team after failing to beat Bahrain and then Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asia Zone. Indonesian netizens immediately responded because of King Indo.
In world rankings, Australia is far above, occupying 24th position as of August 2024, while Indonesia sits in 133rd place. On paper, the Socceroos were able to beat the Garuda Team.
However, as is known, in reality Jay Idzes Cs was able to hold on to a goalless draw when they hosted Australia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, last September 10.
“Of course, after playing against fight Bahrain and Indonesia, I said after finished fight in Indonesia, I had to make some problem. I followed my instincts, and took the decision that, after 40 years of service and six years leading the Socceroos, it was time for change and it’s time for me to move on,” he said, on the official Socceroos website.
“I have to be the best, and I always hope, I’ve had problem since losing in the Asian Game Cup. I was confident that going into the Asian Cup I could win it,” he said.
“Maybe in the last half year, I’ve been trying to improve myself to keep going, try and going. Like I said, in my heart, this isn’t right,” said Graham Arnold.
Graham Arnold has resigned as coach of the Australian national team. The 61-year-old man is the second to resign his position after fighting Indonesia.
Australia announced the coach’s resignation on Friday (20/9/2024). Arnold steps down after six years coaching the Socceroos.
Arnold’s last match coaching Australia was against Indonesia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Asia Zone. He and his roroslot team visited the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, last September 10, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
After the match, Arnold admitted that he was considering his future in Australia. Until finally he chose to resign today.
Graham Arnold is the second coach to resign this year. Previously there was Philippe Troussier, who was fired by Vietnam, also after fighting Indonesia.
Last March, Troussier was fired after failing to beat Indonesia. Of the two matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualification Asia Zone, Vietnam lost twice, 0-1 respectively in Jakarta and 0-3 in Hanoi.
After the defeat, Troussier’s contract was immediately terminated by the Vietnam Football Federation. The French coach was fired.
Now, Graham Arnold is also said to be a victim of Indonesia. After the Socceroos failed to beat Indonesia, he chose to resign.
Together with Graham Arnold, Australia was no better than Indonesia in the 2026 World Cup Qualification Asia Zone. Jackson Irvine et al only won one point, when the Garuda Team already had two points in the third round.
Since then, especially before Australia was beaten 0-1 at home by Bahrain, there has been a lot of criticism and pressure for Graham to resign as Australian coach and this news was announced at this time. Australian fans think their team should have won both matches.
“Graham Arnold, the longest-serving coach in Australian football history, will soon leave his post as head coach,” wrote the official Socceroos website.