Bahrain vs China

Bahrain National Stadium sets the stage for a ‘make or break’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bahrain and China.

Bahrain’s quest to reach the World Cup finals for the first time as an independent nation has been severely compromised after a stunning 1-0 away win against Australia on matchday one. A frustrating three-match winless run (D2, L1), bookended by a 0-0 draw at Saudi Arabia last time out, has pinned Bahrain to fourth in Group C, albeit only on goal difference. They’ve amassed five points from four matches, as many as Australia and Saudi Arabia. However, a lack of firepower in the front third has seen them score just three times. On a more positive note, after conceding 2+ goals in back-to-back qualifiers, they regained defensive solidity, displayed by the abovementioned stalemate against the Green Falcons.

Despite its financial power and diversified economy, China has never been a footballing nation, as evidenced by just a single World Cup appearance back in 2002. Not long ago, they seemed destined for another qualifying fiasco before a morale-boosting 2-1 home triumph against Indonesia last time out halted their disastrous three-game losing start to Group C. However, Branko Ivankovic’s men have traveled poorly in the ongoing qualifying campaign, losing both away fixtures to Japan and Australia by a combined score of 10-1! Another disappointment would likely end their hopes of pulling off a late comeback after whittling down the gap on second-placed Australia to only two points.