Kingdom line up Georgia test as preparations intensify

TDT | Manama

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The Bahrain national football team will step up preparations for a stretch of international fixtures when they face Georgia in a friendly on June 5 in Tbilisi.

The match, confirmed by the Bahrain Football Association, will be played at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, with kick-off set for 9 PM Bahrain time. It represents an important test against higher-ranked European opposition as the national side continues refining squad depth and tactical approach.

Ranked 91st in the FIFA rankings, Bahrain will take on a Georgia side placed 72nd, offering a valuable benchmark in a different tactical setting from their usual regional opponents. The fixture also marks Bahrain’s return to facing European opposition for the first time since 2022, when they faced Serbia.

Elsewhere in the June window, an expected friendly against Tanzania is scheduled in Turkey.

Looking further ahead, Bahrain are set to defend their title at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September 23 to October 6. They will then turn attention to the AFC Asian Cup 2027, which will also take place in Saudi Arabia.

Head coach Dragan Talajić has been overseeing preparations following the conclusion of domestic competition, including the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, as he continues to evaluate squad options.

A proposed training camp in Slovenia remains under discussion, but focus is now firmly on this month’s friendlies as Bahrain builds momentum ahead of a significant international period.