Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup 2026 qualifying match.
Australia have been struggling for most of the third round. Even Bahrain, who are in fifth place, could overtake Australia, currently in second place, with a victory.
Bahrain
Bahrain could have been in Australia's position, but everything changed in the last five minutes of the second half. Their goal was disallowed, and four minutes later, China took the lead (91st minute). Australia are very dangerous; they are the only team to have beaten Australia (1:0). In that match, they got a bit lucky, as the Australians had a forward sent off in the 77th minute, making it easier to score.
Australia
However, Australia did not lose to Japan (1:1). In that match, no goals were scored in the traditional sense—only own goals. From the Australians' play, it is clear that they are strong but have been scoring little: in five matches of the third stage, the total under 2.5 occurred in four instances. Consequently, they are trailing Japan by seven points.
Bahrain vs Australia Prediction
Not many goals will be scored this time either. At most, there will be just two, and it's very unlikely that the visitors will lose. Before their frustrating defeat to Bahrain, Australia had beaten them four times in a row, always with a total under 2.5.
