Bahrain's World Cup Hopes Hang in Balance After Indonesia Loss

Daily Tribune

27-03-2025

Bahrain's bid for their first-eve World Cup appearance took a hit on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in the third round of Asian qualifiers for 2026. The loss at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, their fourth in eight outings, leaves them with six points in Group C. Yet, head coach Dragan Talajić remains defiant, insisting the race remains wide open.
Japan lead the group with an unbeaten 20 points, securing qualification after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, who sit third on 10 points. Australia strengthened their hold on second with a 2-0 win over China, rising to 13 points. Indonesia's win lifted them to nine points, three ahead of Bahrain, while China linger bottom with six. With third and fourth spots offering a path to the next stage, Talajic sees hope. 'Everything is open,' he said in his post-match press conference. 'Now, only Japan is qualified, and Australia have to fight more to be sure to qualify as the second team. Positions three and four are open. Indonesia is in a better position than us, but they have to play Japan next—it's still open.'
The Croatian tactician rued a missed opportunity against Indonesia. 'Congratulations to them for the win,' he added. 'From my side, I'm a little upset because I think we deserved at least a draw. One mistake—a small detail—allowed them to score.' In a group Talajic calls 'very heavy,' Bahrain's resilience will be key to keeping their dream alive.
Mehdi Humaidan: A Mirror to Bahrain's Fight
Midfielder Mehdi Humaidan embodies that spirit. His football journey began in Al-Ahli's youth system, where his talent stood out despite facing older opponents. Multiple best player awards paved the way to the first team by 17 or 18, and his debut season ended with a league title—a moment he calls 'unforgettable.' But the leap to senior level exposed Bahrain's footballing challenges. 'Making that jump wasn't easy,' he says, recalling the struggle to balance education with sport amid limited resources and financial support—hurdles familiar to many young Bahraini players.
Seeking growth, Humaidan moved to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. The stint offered a taste of a more competitive league, with higher expectations and better structure sharpening his game. 'It was a new challenge,' he reflects. Yet, an injury at a crucial time cut his spell short, forcing a return home. Worse followed—a year-and-a-half break from professional football when he was in top form. 'The timing was frustrating,' he admits, but the setback only hardened his resolve.
A Call for Recognition
Humaidan's experiences abroad highlighted Bahrain's lag in investment and exposure compared to regional powerhouses like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 'Bahraini footballers deserve greater recognition,' he insists, pointing to the talent that goes unnoticed without stronger infrastructure and media focus. His plea echoes as Bahrain battles in Group C, where every point counts toward a World Cup lifeline.
The dream of reaching the tournament drives him still. Beyond playing, Humaidan has earned coaching and sports management certifications, eyeing a future role in the game. To young players, he offers hard-earned wisdom: 'Talent alone isn't enough—dedication, discipline, and persistence are what matter.'
The Road Ahead
Bahrain's campaign now hinges on capitalizing on their remaining matches, with Humaidan's grit a vital asset. Talajic's belief in an open race and Humaidan's push for support converge on a shared goal: elevating Bahrain's football stature. A third or fourth-place finish could keep their World Cup hopes flickering, proving that in this tricky group, determination might yet carve a path to qualification.