China and Bahrain Set to End 2026 World Cup Dreams in Final Group Clash

The curtain will fall on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey for both China and Bahrain as the two sides prepare to face off in their final Group C fixture on Tuesday at the Longxing Football Stadium.

It has been a frustrating campaign for both nations, who sit at the bottom of the group standings and are now out of the race for qualification. With nothing but pride left to play for, both teams will aim to close their campaigns with a performance worthy of their national colors.

China’s Exit Confirmed After Indonesia Defeat
China’s hopes of progressing to the next round were officially dashed on Thursday after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia. Dutch-born striker Ole Romenij, currently playing for Oxford United, netted the decisive penalty just before halftime at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, securing a crucial win for Indonesia.

The loss marked China’s fourth consecutive defeat in the qualifiers. Since their narrow 1-0 win over Bahrain in November—sealed by a stoppage-time strike from Zhang Yuning—Branko Ivankovic’s side has managed just one goal in four matches while conceding seven. China currently sits second from the bottom, tied with Bahrain on points but ahead only on goal difference.

Bahrain Struggles to Find Spark
Similarly, Bahrain continued their downward spiral with a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia at the Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday. A 16th-minute strike from Musab Al Juwayr, followed by Abdulrahman Alobud’s first international goal, gave the Saudis a comfortable win and deepened Bahrain’s woes.

Under the management of Dragan Talajic, Bahrain has endured a winless streak stretching over eight games, including three straight losses, since their only victory—a surprise 1-0 win over 10-man Australia—at the start of the campaign. Their struggles up front have been particularly costly, with only five goals scored, the lowest in the group.

Historic Hurdles Ahead for Bahrain
Bahrain will also have history working against them as they prepare for Tuesday’s match. The Gulf nation has failed to beat China in their last nine meetings, recording five draws and four defeats since their last win in September 1981.

Though both teams are already eliminated, the final match offers a chance to restore pride and set the tone for rebuilding ahead of future regional and international campaigns. For fans and players alike, it’s one last shot to walk away with heads held high.