Bahrain vs Iraq Prediction and Betting Tips | December 25, 2024 

Iraq v Palestine - 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification - Source: Getty
Iraq haven't beaten Bahrain in 14 years. (PC: Getty Images)

Bahrain play Iraq in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Wednesday as they aim to build on their opening day victory. The Pearl Divers began their campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia last weekend.

First-half strikes from Mahdi Abduljabbar and Mahdi Al-Humaidan had them 2-0 up before Musab Al-Juwayr pulled one back for the Greens in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, though, Mohamed Marhoon restored Bahrain's two-goal advantage, but Saleh Al-Shehri made it 3-2 from the spot in the 86th minute.

The win snapped Bahrain's five-game winless run across competitions and will give them a much-needed boost ahead of their next encounter as Dragan Talajić's side compete for their second cup title.

Meanwhile, Iraq too began their campaign with a win, overcoming minnows Yemen 1-0, courtesy of a 64th-minute strike from Ayman Hussein.

With three points in the bag, the Lions of Mesopotamia are second to Bahrain in Group B by virtue of fewer goals scored. They've won their last two games across competitions and enter the contest unbeaten in three.


Bahrain vs Iraq Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

  • There have been 31 clashes between the two sides before, with Bahrain winning 13 and losing six.
  • Iraq last beat Bahrain in January 2013, on penalties; their last victory in the fixture from open play came in November 2010 (3-2 in the Gulf Cup).
  • This will be the first meeting between the two sides since December 2021 (0-0 in the FIFA Arab Cup).
  • Three of their last four encounters, and four of their last six, have ended in stalemates.
  • The Lions of Mesopotamia are unbeaten in three competitive games.

Bahrain vs Iraq Prediction

The two sides have seen plenty of draws recently, so that could be the most likely outcome. But going by their recent form, Iraq are well-placed to win. The Lions of Mespotamia boast a stoic backline, led by the peerless Ayman Hussein, which means Bahrain could go down, albeit narrowly.

Prediction: Bahrain 0-1 Iraq


Bahrain vs Iraq Betting Tips

Tip 1 - Result: Iraq

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No

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Edited by Bhargav
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