Bahrain Unveils Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
TDT | Manama
Bahrain's national football team has officially named its squad for the next phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and this group has the makings of something special. The announcement, made ahead of a crucial stretch of matches, carries the weight of a nation's dreams—to finally reach the World Cup finals for the first time in history.
The Squad
The 26-man roster, shared by the Bahrain Football Association, is a carefully curated mix of experience and youthful energy, a testament to coach Dragan Talajić's vision for this campaign. Leading the goalkeeping unit are Sayed Mohammed Jaffer and the ever-reliable Ebrahim Lutfalla, whose heroics have kept Bahrain in contention time and again. Defenders like Waleed Al-Hayam, Abdulla Al-Khalasi, and Sayed Baqer form a sturdy backline, with Al-Khalasi already proving his worth by scoring the lone goal in Bahrain's 1-0 upset over Australia in September 2024.
In midfield, names like Komail Al-Aswad and Mohammed Al-Hardan stand out—Al-Aswad's playmaking, with two assists in the third round, has been a bright spot, while Al-Hardan's tenacity anchors the center. Up top, forwards Mahdi Abduljabbar and Abdulla Yusuf bring the firepower, each with two goals in this round, alongside Ali Madan, whose flair on the wing has troubled defenses across Asia. The full squad reads:
Ebrahim Lutfalla
Sayed Mohammed Jaffer
Ammar Ahmed
Hamad Al-Shamsan
Abdulla Al-Khalasi
Ahmed Bughammar
Sayed Baqer
Waleed Al-Hayam
Ali Madan
Komail Al-Aswad
Mahdi Al-Humaidan
Abdulwahab Al-Malood
Mohammed Al-Hardan
Mahdi Abduljabbar
Ahmed Al-Sherooqi
Jasim Al-Shaikh
Abdulla Yusuf
Ali Haram
Mohammed Adel
Ebrahim Al-Khattal
Husain Madan
Mohammed Jameel
Sayed Redha Issa
Hasan Al-Karrani
Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh
Abdulla Al-Awadhi
A Daunting Group C Challenge
Bahrain finds itself in Group C of the third round, a gauntlet that includes Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR, and Indonesia. With five matches played, Bahrain sits third with 8 points, having secured a gritty away win over Australia (1-0), thanks to a goal from Al-Khalasi, and hard-fought draws against Indonesia (2-2), with Marhoon scoring a brace, and Saudi Arabia (0-0). But losses to Japan (0-5) and China (2-3) have shown the fine margins they're navigating. Japan leads the group with 13 points, followed by Australia (9) and Bahrain (8), while Saudi Arabia (7), China (4), and Indonesia (4) trail. The top two teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, with third and fourth advancing to further rounds—a tight race that leaves little room for error.
Japan Looms Large
The next test is a formidable one: an away clash against group leaders Japan on March 20. Japan has been ruthless, scoring 18 goals in five matches, and Bahrain will need their defense, led by Al-Hayyam, to hold firm. After that, they host Australia on March 25, a chance to repeat their earlier heroics. There's a hunger in this squad, a belief that they can rewrite history. 'We're ready to fight for every point,' Al-Aswad said recently, a sentiment that echoes through this roster.
A Nation's Hopes on Their Shoulders
Bahrain has never reached the World Cup finals, but with this crop of players—riding the high of a dramatic Gulf Cup win in early January—the dream feels tantalizingly close. The expanded 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico offers more spots for AFC teams, and Bahrain is determined to seize the opportunity. As they prepare for Japan, the nation watches, hoping this squad can finally break through. For locals, this is a story worth following every step of the way.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
6 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
‘Italian genius' Inzaghi to coach Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal
Former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was revealed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal yesterday, days before they take part in the new-look Club World Cup. The Italian, who led Inter to a heavy defeat in Saturday's Champions League final, had earlier played down rumours of a two-year deal worth 50 million euros. 'I am Simone Inzaghi and today begins my story with Al Hilal,' he said in a slickly produced video posted on X, in which he sips Arabian coffee and pins an Al Hilal lapel badge on his suit. Inzaghi, 49, becomes just the latest high-profile footballing acquisition for oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which will host the World Cup in 2034. 'The Italian genius is here,' Al Hilal posted. 'Welcome, Simone Inzaghi.'
Gulf Insider
11 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Strike, Bahrain Exit
Al Juwayr and Alobud score as Bahrain's World Cup dream ends in Riffa Bahrain saw their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup come to an end on Thursday night, losing 2-0 to Saudi Arabia at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa. Musab Al Juwayr's well-taken volley in the 16th minute opened the scoring, before substitute Abdulrahman Alobud sealed the result with a composed finish in the 78th, effectively extinguishing Bahrain's already faint hopes of progressing. The match's telling moment came early. Salem Al Dawsari, one of Saudi Arabia's most consistent performers, delivered a beautiful cross from the left flank. Al Juwayr, arriving unmarked at the edge of the area, struck it first time with his right foot into the bottom corner. Bahraini goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, had no chance. Despite moments of promise from the home side, including a lively display from Humaidan in midfield and flashes from Marhoon up front, Bahrain failed to meaningfully test Nawaf Alaqidi in the Saudi goal. As Bahrain pushed in search of an equaliser, they were caught out on the counter in the 78th minute. A swift Saudi move down the right saw Ali Majrashi lead the break before threading a precise ball into the path of Abdulrahman Alobud, who had come on for Mohamed Kanno. Alobud made no mistake and clinically slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to double the lead and end any hopes of a late comeback. The result leaves Bahrain on six points, level with China at the bottom of Group C, and mathematically eliminated from contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Their final match, away to China on June 10, will be about restoring pride. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, move up to 13 points-still in third. However, their hopes of direct qualification were dashed earlier in the day when Australia defeated group leaders Japan 1-0 thanks to Aziz Behich's stoppage-time strike in Perth. That result means the Saudis can no longer finish in the top two unless Australia suffer defeat and there is a dramatic swing in goal difference on the final day. Elsewhere, Indonesia beat China 1-0 in Jakarta, with Ole Romeny converting a first-half penalty. That win lifts Indonesia to 12 points, just one behind Saudi Arabia, setting up a critical meeting between the two sides in Jeddah. Japan, already assured of qualification, suffered a rare defeat in Perth, but still lead the group with 20 points. Bahrain vs China (Chongqing Longxing Stadium, China) – 2:00 PM Japan vs Indonesia (Panasonic Stadium Suita, Japan) – 1:35 PM Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia (King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah) – 9:15 PM All eyes will be on Jeddah and Suita, where the final playoff places will be determined. Group C Standings (after Matchday 9): Japan – 20 pts (Qualified for 2026 World Cup) Australia – 18 pts Saudi Arabia – 13 pts Indonesia – 12 pts Bahrain – 6 pts (Eliminated) 6. China – 6 pts (Eliminated) Also read: Saudi Arabia: AI-Powered 'Saqr' Drone Deployed For Firefighting And Rescue Missions During Hajj
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Saudi Strike, Bahrain Exit
Al Juwayr and Alobud score as Bahrain's World Cup dream ends in Riffa Bahrain saw their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup come to an end on Thursday night, losing 2-0 to Saudi Arabia at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa. Musab Al Juwayr's well-taken volley in the 16th minute opened the scoring, before substitute Abdulrahman Alobud sealed the result with a composed finish in the 78th, effectively extinguishing Bahrain's already faint hopes of progressing. Early goal sets the tone The match's telling moment came early. Salem Al Dawsari, one of Saudi Arabia's most consistent performers, delivered a beautiful cross from the left flank. Al Juwayr, arriving unmarked at the edge of the area, struck it first time with his right foot into the bottom corner. Bahraini goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, had no chance. Despite moments of promise from the home side, including a lively display from Humaidan in midfield and flashes from Marhoon up front, Bahrain failed to meaningfully test Nawaf Alaqidi in the Saudi goal. Alobud seals it As Bahrain pushed in search of an equaliser, they were caught out on the counter in the 78th minute. A swift Saudi move down the right saw Ali Majrashi lead the break before threading a precise ball into the path of Abdulrahman Alobud, who had come on for Mohamed Kanno. Alobud made no mistake and clinically slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to double the lead and end any hopes of a late comeback. Bahrain bow out, Saudi hopes still alive The result leaves Bahrain on six points, level with China at the bottom of Group C, and mathematically eliminated from contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Their final match, away to China on June 10, will be about restoring pride. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, move up to 13 points—still in third. However, their hopes of direct qualification were dashed earlier in the day when Australia defeated group leaders Japan 1-0 thanks to Aziz Behich's stoppage-time strike in Perth. That result means the Saudis can no longer finish in the top two unless Australia suffer defeat and there is a dramatic swing in goal difference on the final day. Group C heats up Elsewhere, Indonesia beat China 1-0 in Jakarta, with Ole Romeny converting a first-half penalty. That win lifts Indonesia to 12 points, just one behind Saudi Arabia, setting up a critical meeting between the two sides in Jeddah. Japan, already assured of qualification, suffered a rare defeat in Perth, but still lead the group with 20 points. Final matchday fixtures (June 10) All eyes will be on Jeddah and Suita, where the final playoff places will be determined. Group C Standings (after Matchday 9): 1. Japan – 20 pts (Qualified for 2026 World Cup) 2. Australia – 18 pts 3. Saudi Arabia – 13 pts 4. Indonesia – 12 pts 5. Bahrain – 6 pts (Eliminated) 6. China – 6 pts (Eliminated)
