In a shocking upset, Bahrain stunned Australia 1-0 away on Thursday in the opening match of the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory, which came courtesy of an 89th-minute own goal by Harry Souttar, marked Bahrain’s first-ever win against Australia, a nation ranked 56 places higher.
The match, played on the Gold Coast, was a tense affair with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough. Australia, playing with 10 men after striker Kusini Yengi was red-carded in the 77th minute for a dangerous challenge, appeared destined for a scoreless draw. However, a late twist of fate saw Souttar deflect a shot from Abdulla Al-Khalasi into his own net, sending the visiting Bahraini fans into raptures.
Australia, who were considered hot favourites, had won all six previous matches against Bahrain, including a 2-0 friendly earlier this year. They had also romped through the second qualifying round with maximum points and without conceding a goal.
Despite their early dominance, Australia struggled to break down Bahrain’s resolute defense. The Socceroos, known for their attacking flair, were unable to find a way past the well-organized Bahraini backline. The game was characterized by a series of missed opportunities, with Australia’s forwards failing to capitalize on a number of promising chances.
Australia’s coach, Graham Arnold, expressed disappointment after the match, acknowledging that the team had not played to its potential. He pointed to the red card as a turning point in the game and highlighted the need for improvement in future matches.
The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Australia’s next match is against Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday. The game is expected to be a tough encounter, particularly with the Indonesian fans expected to create a fervent atmosphere. Arnold acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing the importance of bouncing back from the loss to Bahrain.
This unexpected defeat serves as a wake-up call for Australia, who will need to regroup and find their winning form if they are to secure a place in the World Cup.
