Title chase kicks off today
The 2026-27 Nasser bin Hamad Premier League kicks off today, with another closely fought battle for the Bahrain football crown expected after just one point separated the top two last season.
Sitra and Al Malkiya open the campaign at the Bahrain National Stadium, while runners-up Al Khaldiya take on Al Najma at Al Ahli Club Stadium. All opening-round matches kick off at 7pm.
Defending champions Muharraq enter the fray tomorrow against Al Ahli at the Bahrain National Stadium, setting out in pursuit of a third successive league title.
The Red Wolves completed a memorable domestic double last season under Portuguese coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, retaining the league crown and lifting the King’s Cup.
Their championship triumph followed a dramatic late swing in the title race. Al Khaldiya appeared to have the advantage until the two sides met on Matchday 21, when Muharraq claimed a crucial victory to take control.
They eventually finished with 55 points, one ahead of Al Khaldiya, after winning 17 of their 22 matches and conceding just seven goals. Riffa were third on 49 points, with Al Malkiya fourth on 33.
Both of last season’s top two have since changed managers. Former Bahrain international Isa Al Saadoun has returned to Muharraq, five years after guiding them to the AFC Cup title in 2021, while Croatian Goran Tomić has replaced Tunisian Lassad Al Chabbi at Al Khaldiya.
Riffa will again look to challenge the leading pair under Kuwaiti coach Mohammed Mashaan after lifting the Khalid bin Hamad Cup last season, while Al Khaldiya also enjoyed silverware with their Super Cup triumph.
Al Malkiya will hope to build on their fourth-place finish with Portuguese Álvaro José Rodrigues at the helm, while Brazilian Jorvan Vieira leads Al Ahli and compatriot Vinicius Eutrópio is in charge of A’ali.
Sitra are coached by Bahraini Hassan Sayed Isa, while Al Najma, under Tunisian Fethi Laabidi, retained their top-flight place through the promotion/relegation play-offs.
The league also welcomes promoted sides Manama, Al Ittifaq and East Riffa. Manama return under Bahraini coach Ismael Karami, while former Bahrain international Fawzi Ayyash leads Al Ittifaq and Hisham Al Mahoozi takes charge of East Riffa.
Tunisian Shukri Al Bajawi, meanwhile, is at the helm of Al Hidd, who face East Riffa at Al Ahli Club Stadium tomorrow.
Matchweek One concludes on Saturday, with Riffa taking on Al Ittifaq at the Bahrain National Stadium and A’ali facing Manama at Al Ahli Club Stadium.
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