SportsMall Tuesday's World Cup Qualifiers – including previews, predictions, team news and possible lineups for the Asian clash between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia They will come face to face Bahrain Third round of AFC qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup On Tuesday, both will aim to climb the Group C table.
The two sides are level on four points, with Australia in second, the hosts in third and the visitors in fourth.
Competition preview
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Having qualified for each of the last two FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022, Saudi Arabia are aiming to make it three consecutive defeats in the world's most prestigious tournament in 2026.
They surprisingly finished second behind Jordan, albeit on goal difference, in their second-round group, and struggled in their opening three games in the third round.
Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Indonesia to kickstart their third-round campaign, followed by a 2-1 win against China, who scored a 90th-minute winner. Hasan KadeshHe scored both in that game.
Roberto ManciniIn charge since August 2023, Saudi Arabia's unbeaten 2-0 defeat to Japan last week ended the group, although the Italian will take a boost from a promising performance in which his side controlled much of the game.
With his team currently locked on points with Australia and Bahrain, Mancini will be looking for a great win as he aims to take his side to the top two in the group and automatically qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
Although not the most glamorous country in terms of footballing record, Bahrain have proved themselves to be a formidable force in the opening three games of the third round.
A 1-0 win over Australia in the opener followed a humiliating 5-0 loss to Japan, but Bahrain quickly bounced back to draw 2-2 against Indonesia.
Dragon TalajicHaving managed most of his career in Saudi Arabia, he will be aiming for another big win for his side when they face the Arabian Falcons on Tuesday, with Bahrain winning 1-0 in their last meeting.
Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifiers – Asia Format:
Bahrain World Cup Qualifiers – Asian Format:
Group messages
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Hosts may not exist Abdullah al-Malki After the midfielder was sent off in the 82nd minute of the last 2-0 loss to Japan, ie Abdullah Al Khaybari can start in his place.
Both captains despite failing to score in that loss Salem al-Tawsari And Firaz al-Buraikan There is a chance to start attacking with Stephen Al-Shehri As a possible replacement Ayman Ahmed On the wing.
As for the audience, Ali Madan He was sent off in the 64th minute due to injury Mahdi al-Humaydan Can come to the side in his place.
Elsewhere, a dominant performance, albeit a disappointing one, was a last-gasp draw, with Talajic confident of the 11-goal scorer in the same start. Mohammad Jassim Marhoon Of course starting with wider areas.
Saudi Arabia Possible Starting Lineup:
Al-Qasar; Abdulhamid, Al Tambakhti, Lajami, Kadesh; Aljuwayr, Alkaibari, N al-Tawsari; Al-Shehri, Al-Buraikan, S Al-Tawsari
Bahrain Probable Starting Lineup:
Ludfala; Emmanuel, Benadi, Al-Hayyam, Al-Khalasi; Al-Humaidan, Haram, Al-Aspur, Marhun; Abdul Jabbar, al-Aswad
We say: Saudi Arabia 3-1 Bahrain
While Bahrain have picked up two positive results in their three outings, including an impressive 1-0 win over Australia, Saudi Arabia have displayed more talent throughout their squad, suggesting victory for the hosts.
Please click here for data analysis of most probable results, scores and more for this match.
