"Leading the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour,” Arnold said in a statement issued by Football Australia.

“I'm incredibly proud of our achievements – from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage. After careful consideration, I believe it's time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward."

 

Arnold was appointed Australia coach in 2018, taking over for the second time having previously held the post from 2006 to 2007, when he guided the team to the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Southeast Asia.

He then led Central Coast Mariners to the A-League title in 2013 before a brief stint in Japan with Vegalta Sendai and a successful four-year spell with Sydney FC, where he won the A-League championship in 2017.

That prompted a return to the Socceroos helm after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when he replaced Bert van Marwijk, with Arnold also handed the reins of the country’s Olympic team.

He qualified Australia for the Tokyo Olympics with a third place finish at the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Thailand in 2020 and also took the senior national team to a fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup when his side defeated Peru in an intercontinental playoff to qualify for the finals.

Australia defeated Tunisia and Denmark in Qatar to reach the last 16 for the first time since 2006, where Arnold’s team lost narrowly to eventual champions Argentina.

He extended his contract in the aftermath of the 2022 finals and took his team into the current phase of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 but a loss to Bahrain in the opening match on the Gold Coast was followed by a 0-0 draw against Indonesia in Jakarta.

“I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it’s time for change, both for myself and the programme,” said Arnold.

 

“I’ve made the decision to resign based upon what’s best for the nation, the players and Football Australia. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure.”

The Australians next face China PR in Adelaide on October 10 before travelling to Saitama Stadium to take on Japan five days later as they look to put their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup back on track.

"Graham Arnold's departure marks the end of an era for Australian football. His contributions to the sport and the Socceroos are there for all to see,” said Football Australia chief executive James Johnson.

“Under Graham's leadership, we achieved remarkable milestones that elevated Australian football on the global stage. Graham's passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the team and Australian football.

 

"While we respect his decision and are saddened to see Graham leave the national team set-up, this scenario is not uncommon in international football.

“We will act swiftly in appointing a new head coach to ensure continuity and stability, particularly as we approach the crucial second window of the AFC Asian Qualifiers next month.”