Graham Arnold to stay on as Socceroos coach for do-or-die World Cup qualifying campaign

Australian men’s soccer team Graham Arnold will keep his job until the end of the Socceroos' World Cup qualifying campaign, Football Australia says.

The Socceroos came third in their Asian group after a series of draws and losses, putting pressure on Arnold’s tenure as critics called for a new coach to see out the campaign.

The team will play the UAE in June, and if wins will play Peru for a spot in the World Cup.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said Arnold retained the organisation’s support.

«Graham has Football Australia's support and after nearly four years in the role, still has the opportunity to finish the job he was appointed to in 2018 and see through his commitment to the national team,» he said. 

«We now turn our sights to the difficult play-off stage in June, our final opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

»As we have done throughout the campaign, we will work closely with Graham to ensure the team has the necessary resources, support and the approach required to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately qualification to our fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup."