The final round (third round) of the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™ is about to get back in action. After six matches, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) are in first place with 16 points from five wins and one draw. A win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium 2002 on 20 March will clinch them in the top two in Group C and qualify for their eighth consecutive World Cup.

Meanwhile, the battle for second place and below remains close. Australia are currently in second place with seven points, while Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China PR are in a tight battle for third place with six points each. The battle for the top two spots, which guarantee automatic qualification for the World Cup, and the third and fourth places, which will allow teams to progress to the fourth round, remains intense.

Bahrain, the only team in this group to have never appeared at a World Cup, are eager to make their first appearance. According to the Asian Football Confederation's official website, Croatian coach Dragan TALAJIC, who took over in February last year, said: "It is time for this generation to make something," and "Bahrain has twice come within one step of going to the World Cup but were unlucky. People say if you have twice been unlucky, it will come true at the third time." The comment was made in reference to the team's exit from the intercontinental play-offs in the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ and 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Bahrain got off to a good start in the final round, which began in September last year, beating Australia 1-0 away from home, but then suffered a heavy 0-5 home defeat to Japan, with UEDA Ayase and MORITA Hidemasa scoring twice apiece and OGAWA Koki adding another. They then drew 2-2 and 0-0 with Indonesia and Saudi Arabia respectively, before two disappointing home matches in November - a 0-1 loss to China PR and a 2-2 draw with Australia - left them without the points they had hoped for.

However, there is also some positive news as the qualifying campaign resumes. The team won the Arabian Gulf Cup, which ran from December to January. Bahrain defeated Saudi Arabia, defending champions Iraq and hosts Kuwait to claim their first title since 2019 in the tournament, which brings together eight Arab countries including the Gulf states. Mohamed MARHOON, playing at number 10, was named Most Valuable Player for his performance, while goalkeeper Ebrahim LUTFALLA and centre-back Waleed AL HAYAM contributed to the team's solid defence.

The upcoming series of away matches against Japan and Indonesia will be crucial to Bahrain's chances of making their first appearance at the World Cup. “Every single point will be important,” said coach Talajic. They will be hoping to pick up as many points as possible in these two matches to keep their hopes of realising their long-held dream alive.

Results of last 5 matches
※All matches were held in Kuwait

Record against Japan

2 wins 10 losses (8 goals, 25 against)

Results at the FIFA World Cup™

Appearances: none
※Achieved its independence from Great Britain in 1971
(Became a FIFA member in 1968)

1970　Did not participate
1974　Did not participate
1978　Eliminated in the qualifier
1982　Eliminated in the qualifier
1986　Eliminated in the qualifier
1990　Did not participate
1994　Eliminated in the qualifier
1998　Eliminated in the qualifier
2002　Eliminated in the qualifier
2006　Eliminated in the qualifier
2010　Eliminated in the qualifier
2014　Eliminated in the qualifier
2018　Eliminated in the qualifier
2022　Eliminated in the qualifier

JFA OFFICIAL
TOP PARTNER

JFA OFFICIAL
SUPPLIER

JFA MAJOR PARTNER

JFA NATIONAL TEAM PARTNER