Since being eliminated in the round of 16 at the Asian Cup in January 2024, Bahrain have enjoyed an impressive run of form under their new coaching staff in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They have lost just one of their last eight qualifiers.
The surprising victory over Australia and the draw against Saudi Arabia helped them earn 5 points in Group C, ranking 4th. But it must be admitted that the opportunity for Dragan Talajic and his team in this group is too difficult when Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia are all strong opponents.
The unfortunate draw against Indonesia in October also greatly affected Bahrain's competitiveness, so they must try to win 3 points when hosting China.
On the other hand, China have only won 2 out of 11 matches in 2024. The Chinese team is at the bottom of Group C with only 1 win after 4 matches (2-1 win over Indonesia). Only North Korea (2) and Palestine (2) have won fewer points in their groups in the 3rd Qualifying Round so far.
Head coach Branko Ivankovic is under a lot of pressure to improve this form of the Chinese team.
Direct viewing link:
https://www.tod.tv/en/sports/event/soccer-afc-world-cup-qualifiers-bahrain-vs-china-pr-313858
