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Saudi National Team Gear Up for Must-Win Bahrain World Cup Clash

Saudi national team are intensifying preparations for their crucial clash against Bahrain in the Asian 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Green Falcons will host Bahrain on Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the fourth round of Group C of the qualifiers.

Italian coach Roberto Mancini’s men aim to bounce back after a surprising 2-0 loss to Japan in the third round on Thursday, which also took place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Mancini Corrects Errors

The 59-year-old Mancini is working with his staff to fix mistakes from the Japan match. His focus is on preventing a repeat of those errors against Bahrain. The team trained on Saturday at the auxiliary stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, beginning with warm-ups and passing drills. Mancini then organized tactical exercises, splitting players into small groups on half the field. The session ended with stretching routines.

 

Majrashi Steps In for Suspended Abdulhamid

Al Ahli defender Ali Majrashi has joined the Saudi camp, replacing Roma’s Saud Abdulhamid, who is suspended for the Bahrain match. Abdulhamid, a key player known for his versatility, will be missed. Majrashi brings experience, having represented Saudi Arabia in the 2021 Arab Cup with the Olympic squad. Mancini suffered an earlier setback, when right-back Sultan Al-Ghanam was sidelined due to an ankle injury he suffered while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Strategy and Training Sessions

The Saudi squad will hold a closed training session on Sunday at 6:00 PM at King Abdullah Sports City. Mancini aims to secure a victory against Bahrain, seeking to regain momentum in the qualifiers. A win would significantly boost their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Group Standings and Qualification Hopes

Saudi Arabia began their campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over China, followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with Indonesia, and then a defeat by Japan. With four points from three matches, they currently sit third in their group ahead of Bahrain. Japan lead with nine points, while second-placed Australia have four. Indonesia hold three points, and China remain at the bottom of the group with no points.

A win against Bahrain is essential for Saudi Arabia to stay in contention for their third consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh overall.

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