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)
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