China will host Bahrain at the Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in a crucial Matchday 10 fixture of the Asian World Cup Qualifiers. Kick-off is at 12:00 BST (UK time), which corresponds to 13:00 CEST in Italy, Germany, France and Spain. Both sides sit mid-table, making this encounter vital for their hopes of progressing toward the 2026 World Cup.
With China currently 6th in the group on six points and Bahrain just above them on goal difference, this game promises a tight contest. Home advantage could prove decisive for China, who will aim to bounce back from recent setbacks and tighten their grip on a qualifying spot.
How are both teams coming into this?
China’s Qualifying Campaign has been rocky under coach Aleksandar Janković. After eight matches they have just two wins, six defeats and a concerning goal difference of –13. Offensively, they have managed only six goals, while defensively they have been breached 19 times. A 0-2 loss to Australia in their last outing highlighted lingering frailties, especially at the back.
Bahrain’s Road So Far under Helio Sousa has likewise been uneven. Their record stands at one win, three draws and four losses, scoring five and conceding 13. A recent 0-1 reverse to Indonesia dented their confidence further. Away from home they have one win, one draw and two defeats, meaning they will need to raise their level significantly to challenge China on foreign soil.
Our forecast
We back a China victory here, banking on their past successes against Bahrain and the boost of playing in Chongqing. The hosts have won their last two head-to-head meetings 1-0, and although current form is in their favor, they should edge this encounter again.
Given both teams’ attacking struggles and defensive concerns, we also foresee a tight scoreline. Under 2.5 goals looks the likeliest outcome, with few clear-cut opportunities expected. A narrow 1-0 win for China feels on the cards.
