Bahrain gears up for crucial Japan clash

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s national football team hit the ground running, launching their preparations for a critical World Cup 2026 qualifier against Japan at Saitama Stadium 2002. Under the Croatian boss Dragan Talajic, the Bahrainis held their first session on the stadium’s outdoor pitches, shaking off the long haul from Bahrain with light drills and recovery work ahead of Thursday’s third-round Asian qualifier clash.

The squad, now 26-strong with the arrival of Al-Riffa’s midfield linchpin Komail Al Aswad, wasted no time settling in. Talajic kept it low-key—some jogging, a bit of ball work—easing the players into Tokyo’s cooler climes and six-hour time shift. “First night’s about getting the legs back,” he said post-session, his pragmatism front and centre. “Tomorrow, we switch gears for Japan. Conditions are spot-on—everything’s in place to prep properly.”

Logistics and Ambition

Bahrain’s base at the Hilton Tokyo, a brisk 30-minute ride from Saitama, keeps logistics tight as they eye a result against Asia’s top-ranked side. Talajic, who engineered a Gulf Cup win in January, is clear on the mission: “We’re here to compete, play smart, and give our fans something to shout about.” No grand promises, just a quiet confidence from a man who’s turned this team into a gritty unit.

Japan’s Heavy Hitters Return

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has called back some big names for this window, reinforcing an already dominant squad. Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito and Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda are both back after lengthy injury spells, adding depth to a side that sits comfortably atop Group C. Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, one of Asia’s standout players in Europe, also returns, providing an extra spark in attack.

With a nine-point lead in the group, Japan could book their ticket to the World Cup with a win against Bahrain. They’ll be confident, especially after their 5-0 thumping of Bahrain in the reverse fixture last September.

Bahrain’s Shot at Redemption

But Bahrain isn’t here to roll over. Dragan Talajic’s men have grown since that heavy defeat, and they arrive in Japan with a point to prove. The squad has been working relentlessly to iron out the mistakes from that match, knowing that a result in Saitama could be a game-changer in their qualifying campaign.

Mahdi Abduljabbar remains Bahrain’s main goal threat, while Komail Al Aswad’s midfield creativity will be crucial in breaking Japan’s high press. At the back, Ebrahim Lutfalla will need to be at his best against Japan’s relentless attack.

Group C is a minefield. Japan lead with 16 points from six games, their 5-0 thrashing of Bahrain in September a benchmark of their dominance. Bahrain, on six points, are scrapping in a tight mid-table with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China—all level or close on points—while Australia’s seven keep them in the hunt.

The top two spots mean a direct ticket to 2026; anything less, and it’s a playoff scramble. Thursday’s 1:35pm kick-off (Bahrain time) is a chance to claw back ground, though Japan’s fortress-like record at Saitama—12 wins in their last 15 qualifiers—sets a steep challenge.

Key Players and Tactics

The squad’s got depth: Al Aswad’s vision, Mahdi Abduljabbar’s nose for goal, Ebrahim Luthfallah’s hands between the sticks. Talajic’s game plan—compact at the back, sharp on the break—has delivered before, like that 1-0 ambush of Australia in September 2024. Against Japan’s slick machine, featuring Premier League talents like Kaoru Mitoma, they’ll need every ounce of that nous.

A Defining Night in Saitama

For Japan, this is about getting the job done. For Bahrain, it’s about survival. Three points would keep their World Cup dream alive and send a strong message that they belong among Asia’s elite. The odds may be against them, but football has a way of delivering surprises when it matters most.

Indonesia in Jakarta on 25 March, then Saudi Arabia at home on 5 June, and China away on 10 June. Each match is a brick in the wall of Bahrain’s World Cup dream—a debut they’ve chased since their near-miss in 2006.