Talajic Announces 29-Man Preliminary Squad

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: hussainm@newsobahrain.com

With the World Cup 2026 qualifiers approaching, Bahrain’s head coach, Dragan Talajić, has named a 29-man preliminary squad ahead of the matches against Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. The squad will meet in the coming weeks as they prepare for the third and fourth rounds of the Asian qualifiers.

Bahrain’s Tough Road Ahead

Bahrain's campaign resumes against Indonesia on October 10, followed by a potentially heated encounter against Saudi Arabia on October 15.

The team will next play China on November 11, followed by an important rematch against Australia on November 19, who they have already beaten 1-0 in the 1st match of the qualifiers. Bahrain's next game against Japan will take place next year on March 20, 2025 and they will be seeking to bounce back after suffering a 5-0 loss.

A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent

The squad brings a blend of experienced veterans and exciting youngsters. Sayed Mohammed Jaffar, the seasoned goalkeeper, will be supported by a defensive core that includes center-backs Waleed AlHayyam, Amine Benaddi, and Hamad Shamsan.

The defense is further bolstered by left-back Abdulla AlKhulasi, and right-back Vincent Emmanuel.

Midfield Creativity and Attacking Threats

Midfield creativity will be anchored by players like Abdulwahab AlMalood and Abbas AlAsfoor, who are tasked with dictating the game’s tempo. Komail AlAswad and Jassim AlShaikh will provide further flair in the center, while the ever-reliable Ali Madan and Mehdi Humaidan are expected to pose a threat from the wings.

Key Players in Attack

Upfront, Bahrain will rely on the clinical finishing of strikers like Hussain AbdulKarim, Ismail Abdullatif, and Sayed Hashim Isa. Experienced players like Sayed Dhiya Saeed and Ali Haram, along with promising talents like Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei and Moses Atede, will also be key in breaking down the opposition’s backline.

Bahrain’s World Cup Dreams

Bahrain currently sits third in their group, and both upcoming matches will be critical in th push toward their first ever World Cup qualification.