Preview: Saudi Arabia Clash with Bahrain in Pivotal World Cup Qualifier
Continuing their journey to the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia resume their Asian qualifying campaign with a crucial match against Bahrain in Group C ninth round at the Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday. The Green Falcons must surpass second-placed Australia to secure a spot in next year's finals. With only two games left, the stakes are incredibly high for both teams.
Bahrain, on the other hand, need points to finish within the top four. Saudi Arabia currently sit third in the group table, trailing Australia by three points. Australia occupy the second automatic World Cup spot, making this match pivotal. The team's recent inconsistency, with one win, three draws, and a defeat to Indonesia, has complicated their campaign. Recent Performances and Key Challenges
Saudi Arabia's qualifying campaign has seen mixed results, yet they remain hopeful of securing direct qualification. They managed a goalless draw against group winners Japan in their last match, despite only one shot on target. Against their main rivals, Japan and Australia, Saudi Arabia held both to 0-0 draws, showcasing their defensive prowess.
However, their poor away form continues to hinder progress, with just one win, two draws, and one defeat in four away games. At the Gulf Cup of Nations, Saudi Arabia reached the semi-finals but were knocked out by Oman, ending their trophy hopes. They are now in a tight race for the second automatic spot with Australia, who lead by three points. Strategic Preparations and Team News
Herve Renard's men, who will soon participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, must beat Bahrain to keep pressure on Australia. Saudi Arabia have rallied after a slow start, taking four points from games against China and Japan in March. They warmed up for this month's matches with a 2-0 friendly win over Jordan.
However, they lost 3-2 to Bahrain in the Gulf Cup after a goalless draw in last year's reverse fixture. Bahrain, despite never reaching the World Cup, still have a chance to break new ground. They can move onto another stage of AFC qualifying in October if they finish third or fourth.
Despite sitting fifth, Bahrain trail Indonesia by three points before hosting Saudi Arabia and visiting China as they cannot afford another loss. Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard has opted for a youthful squad, with Al-Hilal veteran Salem Al-Dawsari usually starting on the wing.
Renard can call upon Ali Majrashi, who recovered from an adductor injury. Abdullah Mado has replaced Jehad Thakri, who sustained a hamstring injury. Muteb Al-Harbi and Mohammed Bakr have been training individually and may miss out, with an eye on next week's home clash with Australia.
Dragan Talajic has kept faith with the experienced squad that secured Bahrain's Gulf Cup triumph. Top scorer Mohamed Marhoon is among the familiar faces set to start. Captain Kamil Al-Aswad, with 117 caps, should feature in central midfield, while Waleed Al Hayam helms the defense.
Villarreal teenager Sayed Al-Wadaei has been called up but is likely bound for the bench. Possible Lineups and Historical Rivalry
Bahrain: Lutfalla, Emmanuel, Benaddi, Al-Hayam, Al-Khalasi, Saeed, Al-Aswad, Madan, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan, and Abduljabbar.
Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqidi, Abdulhamid, Lajami, Al-Tambakti, Boushal, Yahya, Al-Ghamdi, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, and Al-Sahafi.
Thursday's game marks the 40th meeting between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with the Green Falcons boast a significant advantage as they claimed 19 victories, compared to Bahrain's 8 wins, while 12 games ended in draws. Their earlier qualification encounter in the World Cup qualification back in October 2024 ended in a stalemate.
However, Bahrain are undefeated in their last three games in this fixture and have lost just one of their last six.
Saudi Arabia, the lowest-scoring side in Group C with four goals, are undefeated in their last three games. They head into the clash on a high, being the stronger side. Bahrain, however, are on a run of back-to-back defeats and are winless in their last seven qualifying games. They have the worst home record in Group C, with just two points from four games, and could struggle in this match.
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