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Graham Arnold has resigned as coach of Australia, with Football Australia seeking to appoint a new coach ahead of World Cup qualifiers in October.

As first reported by AAP, Arnold informed Football Australia’s board of his decision to step down from the role earlier this week, following a 1-0 defeat to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw with Indonesia.

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The federation’s chief executive James Johnson had just last week backed the 61-year-old bounce back from the disappointing start to the third phase of Asian qualification, saying “we put our faith in Graham to get the team back on path”.

Sources have since reiterated to ESPN that the veteran coach wasn’t pushed from the role and that Arnold’s departure came at his own instigation.

Football Australia said that it would immediately begin the process of appointing a new coach for the side ahead of qualifiers at home to China and away to Japan on October 10 and October 15 respectively, with no references to an interim to be found in the federation’s statement.

“We are seeking a head coach who aligns with our vision for the Socceroos and can seamlessly integrate into the team’s identity,” said Johnson. “With critical FIFA World Cup qualifying matches approaching, it’s crucial that we identify the right candidate to lead our talented squad now and into the future.”

Shanghai Port’s Kevin Muscat, former Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popović, and Western United boss John Aloisi — all three former Socceroos — are amongst the local options that will likely be considered, while former Saudi Arabia men’s and France women’s boss Hervé Renard as speculated as a possible international option.

Arnold met FA bosses earlier this week and it is believed that he indicated he would be willing to step aside after a challenging six-year reign. Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

Whoever takes over the role will inherit a side sitting second-bottom in Group C of Asia’s third phase of qualification after the defeat to Bahrain on the Gold Coast — just Australia’s second loss in a ‘live’ World Cup qualifier on home soil since 1981 — and subsequent draw with Indonesia in Jakarta.

Arnold had previously spoken of a desire to reach the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America and said in June that he believed he had “at least 30-odd players that are capable and ready,” that were at the level required to contribute to qualification.

However, with his side held scoreless in both of the games, a downbeat Arnold remarked following the Indonesian draw that he needed to return to Australia and have “a really good think about things,” just days after he noted the consistent criticism of his side’s inability to break down embedded defences after the Bahrain defeat.

Culminating in his decision to depart, the results of this reflection brings to an end one of the longest and most celebrated relationships with the Socceroos to a close, with Arnold having been involved in the national setup in some kind of playing or coaching capacity since 1985.

After coming perilously close to the sack just months prior when qualification looked like slipping away — Football Australia itself briefing against the coach after a loss to Japan in Sydney — Arnold led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they pushed Argentina before being eliminated 2-1.

The 56-time Socceroo, who previously had an interim stint in charge of the side in 2006-2007, departs with the records for most games coached as well as won of the national side.

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“Leading the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour,” said Arnold.”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.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the players, my staff, Football Australia, and our passionate fans for their unwavering support. The Socceroos have a bright future ahead, and I’m confident they will continue to excel.

“I’ve given 40 years of service to Australian football, with the last six years in my role as Socceroos’ head coach.

“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 program.

“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.

“To witness the personal and football growth of this playing group, the identity and brotherhood which has been formed and now revered by others, and the way this team galvanised a country during its record-breaking feats in Qatar will forever be highlights.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone, particularly the Australian football family, who has been part of this journey over the past six years and wish this incredible team and support staff nothing but success for this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Arnold’s departure leaves Australia without a permanent men’s or women’s coach, with the federation, as first reported by ESPN, appointing Tom Sermanni as an interim boss of the Matildas earlier this week as it seeks a full-time replacement for Tony Gustavsson.