The Socceroos have been drawn against Iraq, coached by former Australia boss Graham Arnold, in Group C of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The draw was held on May 9, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Australia, led by Tony Popovic, will also face Tajikistan and Singapore in the group stage. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
Graham Arnold, who coached the Socceroos from 2018 to 2024, led Iraq to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be the first meeting between Australia and Iraq since the 2019 Asian Cup, where Australia won 3-0.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16. Australia is aiming to win its second Asian Cup title, having won in 2015.
