Bahrain Take on Japan Today at Saitama Stadium 2002

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s footballers head to Saitama Stadium today with a shot at derailing Japan’s World Cup qualification party. Hajime Moriyasu’s side can become the first team to book their spot at the 2026 finals with a win, but Dragan Talajic’s men, riding high after picking up the Gulf Cup, are determined to upset the script and keep their own hopes alive in Group C.

Japan’s Juggernaut Looms

Japan have been dominant in the AFC qualifiers, collecting 16 points from six games with 22 goals scored. Their only dropped points came in a draw with Australia. A win today guarantees a top-two finish in Group C, securing their place alongside hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico at the finals. Japan have lost just twice in their last 28 home qualifiers, and Bahrain have felt the pressure with four straight defeats, including a crushing 5-0 loss in Riffa last September. "It’s about playing to our strengths and securing the win," Moriyasu said last week. His squad is packed with talent, including Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo. With 22 wins in their last 25 international matches, Japan’s form is imposing, but Bahrain still have hope.

Bahrain’s Moment of Magic?

Talajic’s side are not just here to make up the numbers. Sitting fifth in the group with seven points, they are just one point behind Australia in second and level with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China. Their single win in six qualifiers does not tell the full story. They have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 Gulf Cup comeback against Oman. Mohamed Marhoon, the hero of that final, will lead the attack, supported by a defence that has kept six clean sheets in seven away qualifiers. "Every match is a final, we’ve got belief", Mahdi Humaidan told The Daily Tribune. Japan have not conceded more than a goal at home since 2016, making Bahrain’s challenge a difficult one, but not impossible.

Key Men in the Mix

Bahrain’s hopes rest on Marhoon’s creativity in attack, with Waleed Al-Hayam and Amine Benadi holding firm at the back. Abdulla Al-Khalasi’s pace could stretch Japan’s defence. On the other side, Mitoma’s speed, Kubo’s vision, and Ayase Ueda’s goal-scoring ability, now back from injury, pose a serious threat. The return of Hiroki Ito strengthens Japan’s defence. This is a battle between Bahrain’s resilience and Japan’s firepower, where one moment could change everything.

Group C’s Crunch Time

Beyond Japan’s lead, the group remains tightly contested. Australia take on Indonesia in Patrick Kluivert’s coaching debut, while Saudi Arabia host China in another crucial match. Bahrain know that securing a result today keeps them in the mix, but Saitama is a tough place to earn points. Japan have netted 46 goals in the last two rounds, while Bahrain have managed just seven in this stage. With four games left, a surprise result today could reshape the race for qualification.

The Big Call

Japan, who stunned Germany and Spain in the 2022 World Cup, enter as clear favourites. Bahrain enter the match with confidence, knowing that football is full of surprises. A strong performance could turn the tide, keeping their World Cup dreams alive; a draw would make a strong statement, but a win would be a huge boost to their qualification hopes. Saitama awaits, and time will tell if Bahrain can rise to the occasion.