Iraq Open Talks with Walid Regragui After World Cup Exit

Rabat — Following Iraq’s early elimination in the first round of the 2026 World Cup, the Iraqi Football Federation is reportedly considering parting ways with coach Graham Arnold. 

Attention has now turned to Walid Regragui, who has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Iraqi national team. According to several Iraqi media reports, the federation has already opened talks with the Moroccan head coach about taking the reins of the Lions of Mesopotamia.

The same sources suggest the Moroccan tactician is the federation’s preferred candidate, as it seeks to appoint an experienced international coach to lead Iraq into next year’s competitions, notably the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Reports add that the federation is counting on Regragui’s historic success with the Atlas Lions, most notably his run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, as well as his experience in high-pressure matches and managing top-level players, as key factors behind its interest.

Hervé Renard has also reportedly emerged as an alternative that the Iraqi administration relies on, given his extensive experience in Arab, African, and Asian football.