Bahrain Face Must-Win Clash Against Indonesia in World Cup Qualifier

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain have been in Jakarta since Friday, training and preparing for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. They take on Indonesia tomorrow at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (kick-off 4:45 PM Bahrain time), with both sides fighting to keep their hopes alive. With both sides struggling near the bottom of Group C, the stakes could not be higher.

Group C Battle Heats Up

Bahrain sit in fifth place with six points from seven matches, while Indonesia, level on points and goal difference in fourth, are also fighting to keep their qualification hopes alive. Japan have already booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup with 19 points, leaving Australia (10), Saudi Arabia (9), and China (7) in contention for the second automatic qualification place and playoff spots.

For Bahrain, anything less than 3 points will effectively end their campaign. Indonesia, meanwhile, could climb to nine points with a win and put themselves within touching distance of the playoff places.

Form and Key Players

Bahrain’s 2-0 defeat to Japan on Thursday exposed defensive frailties, with Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo proving too much to handle. Mohamed Marhoon, who scored twice against Indonesia in their last meeting, remains their biggest attacking threat. Sayed Dhiya’s leadership in midfield will also be key.

Indonesia, fresh from a 5-1 thrashing by Australia, showed flashes of promise through Rafael Struick, who scored in their last meeting with Bahrain. Captain Asnawi Mangkualam will be a key creative force, and with home advantage on their side, Indonesia will look to make the most of a hostile 77,000-strong crowd in Jakarta.

Tensions Running High

Their previous meeting in October 2024 ended in controversy. Bahrain secured a dramatic 2-2 draw in Riffa with Marhoon’s 99th-minute equalizer, sparking outrage from Indonesian fans, who claimed the goal came well beyond six minutes of stoppage time. The fallout saw Bahraini players flooded with online abuse, forcing the Bahrain Football Association to disable comments and report hacking attempts.

The heated rivalry adds extra spice to an already high-stakes encounter.

What to Expect

With both teams desperate for points, this is likely to be a tense, hard-fought battle. Bahrain will look to silence the crowd early, while Indonesia’s home record—just one defeat in their last five qualifiers—gives them an edge.

With Marhoon and Struick set to be the main men once again, this could go down to the wire.