Japan vs Bahrain Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Japan vs Bahrain Preview

• Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers
• Date: March 20, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 10:35 AM GMT
• Venue: Saitama Stadium, Japan

Japan will welcome Bahrain in their latest 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fixture as international football returns after a long haut. The Samurai Blue are undefeated in the third round of qualifiers having pulled off five wins and one draw in six games so far. They hold the first position in group C and can become the first non-host nation and the quickest team to qualify for the mega event. Japan have scored 22 goals, the highest by any team while conceding just two. The home side will count upon the likes of Takumi Minamino, Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan to take them the distance.

Bahrain on the other hand have not enjoyed a good run in the third round. As things stand, the visitors are most likely to get knocked out and not progress further to pursue their dream. The Reds have won just one game while losing two and sharing spoils in three of their six fixtures. Dragan Talajić’s side came into this game on the back of a flawless Gulf Cup triumph in January. They will be motivated to settle scores with Japan having lost the reverse leg and somehow try and force their way into the top four.

Japan National Football Team News

Star duo Ayase Ueda and Hiroki Ito are back in the squad after being out due to an injury. Moriyasu is expected to field his strongest lineup to ensure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bahrain National Football Team News

Bahrain will most likely field the same squad that won the Gulf Cup. All eyes will be on Mohamed Marhoon who is expected to take Bahrain over the line against Japan.

Japan National Football Team vs Bahrain National Football Team Predicted Lineups

Japan National Football Team Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Suzuki

Defenders: Itakura, Hiroki, Nakayama;

Midfielders: Doan, Endo, Morita, Mitoma; Minamino, Kubo;

Forwards: Furuhashi

Bahrain National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-5-1):

Goalkeeper: Lutfalla

Defenders: Al-Shamsan, Benadi, Al-Hayam, Al-Khalasi;

Midfielders: Saeed, Al-Aswad, Madan, Marhoon, Al-Humaidan

Forwards: Romaihi

Japan vs Bahrain Head-to-Head Record

The last five meetings between the two sides have witnessed Japan pull off four wins while Bahrain emerged victorious in one.

Key Players to Watch in Japan vs Bahrain

Takumi Minamino (Japan National Football Team)

The forward has enjoyed a superb run of form for both club and country heading into this game. Minamino has been firing on all cylinders and has scored ten goals all throughout the qualifiers. His pace, decision-making abilities, and goal-scoring instincts make him an exceptional player to watch out for. The 30-year-old has netted three goals while maintaining an xG of 2.5 in his last five games.

Mohamed Marhoon (Bahrain National Football Team)

Bahrain will look up to Mohamed Marhoon to shoulder the attacking responsibilities heading into this game. He put up a championship-winning performance in the Gulf Cup and helped Bahrain become the champions. Marhoon has found the back of the net six times in his last five games in the build-up to this game.

Japan vs Bahrain Prediction

Japan are the favourites coming into this game. They have already defeated Bahrain once and wouldn’t mind doing it again. Therefore, we expect this game to go Japan’s way.

Predicted Score: Japan 4-1 Bahrain

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