RIFFA — Saudi Arabia and Bahrain face a high-stakes showdown on Thursday in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26, with both sides knowing that only victory will keep their World Cup dreams alive. Bahrain, currently on six points, are targeting a playoff berth after back-to-back losses to Indonesia and Japan in March ended their hopes of automatic qualification. They trail second-placed Indonesia by three points, with only the third and fourth-placed teams eligible for the intercontinental playoff route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Bahrain's destiny is no longer in their own hands, Hélder Cristóvão's side remain mathematically in the race and will be eager to stay within reach heading into the final matchday. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are locked in a tense battle with Australia for the group's second automatic qualification spot, with leaders Japan already through to the Finals. The Green Falcons need all three points in Riffa to keep the pressure on the Socceroos ahead of Tuesday's final round. Should Australia stumble against Japan on Thursday, a Saudi win would set up a dramatic, winner-takes-all clash between the two sides next week. With everything on the line, both teams are expected to come out with full intensity in what promises to be a decisive encounter in the Road to 26 campaign.
