World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Bahrain-Saudi Arabia, the likely lineups

Bahrain–Saudi Arabia is a match valid for the third phase of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup: the whistle is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Both teams are in a delicate position: the hosts are coming off three defeats in four matches in Group C, and they absolutely must win to get back on track for qualification.

Saudi Arabia currently occupies third place, three points behind second-placed Australia and 10 behind already-qualified Japan, and cannot lose any more ground if they still want to aim for direct promotion to the World Cup.

Bahrain with Abduljabbar in attack, Saeed and Al-Aswad in the middle. Saudi trident with Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Al-Sahafi.

Bahrain-Saudi Arabia, the likely lineups
BAHRAIN (4-2-3-1): Lutfalla; Emmanuel, Benaddi, Al-Hayam, Al-Khalasi; Saeed, Al-Aswad; Madan, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan; Abduljabbar. All.Talajic
SAUDI ARABIA (4-3-3):Al-Aqidi; Abdulhamid, Lajami, Al-Tambakti, Boushal; Yahya, Al-Ghamdi, N. Al-Dawsari; S. Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Al-Sahafi. All.Renard.