Moroccan coach Regragui eyed for Iraq national team job

The Iraqi football scene is abuzz with speculation about the national team's future coaching role. While current coach Graham Arnold's contract situation is still being finalized, Moroccan manager Walid Regragui has emerged as a prominent contender to take the helm.

Sources indicate that the Iraqi Football Association views Regragui as their primary choice, citing his extensive international experience and his remarkable success with Morocco. Leading the Atlas Lions to the 2022 World Cup semifinals remains a significant highlight of his coaching career.

However, any official pursuit of Regragui is contingent on the outcome of ongoing negotiations with Arnold. The Iraqi FA is prioritizing the resolution of Arnold's contract before exploring alternative candidates. Arnold was appointed in May 2025 and successfully guided the team to World Cup qualification.

A special committee, headed by Younis Mahmoud and including vice presidents Sarmad Abdulilah and Mohammed Nasser, has been formed to oversee these negotiations. They aim to reach a conclusion before Arnold's current contract expires at the end of July.

Regragui has been available for a new coaching challenge since parting ways with the Moroccan national team in March, following their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Despite his name being widely discussed in Iraqi media circles, no formal talks have yet commenced, leaving the situation in a state of evaluation pending Arnold's future.