Bahrain pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against Australia on Thursday, thanks to a last-minute Harry Souttar own goal, marking a significant upset in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

With the hosts down to 10 men, the match seemed destined for a goalless draw on the Gold Coast until Souttar inadvertently deflected a shot from Abdulla Al-Khalasi into his own net. This marked Bahrain's first-ever win against Australia, who are ranked 56 places higher.

The Socceroos struggled to find their rhythm against Bahrain's well-organized defense and their prospects took a severe hit when striker Kusini Yengi was sent off in the 77th minute for a high kick to defender Sayed Baqer's neck. "It's a learning curve for the players. It wasn't our night," said Australia coach Graham Arnold.

The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups will secure a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and Indonesia are also in Group C alongside Australia and Bahrain. Australia's next match is against Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"It's all about the reaction now because Indonesia will be tough... (playing in front of) 90,000 people in Jakarta," added Arnold, who led Australia to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup. The Socceroos were heavily favored, having won all six previous matches against Bahrain, including a 2-0 friendly win earlier this year.

Australia breezed through the second qualifying round with a perfect record, scoring 22 goals and not conceding any. They played with flair and an aggressive style that Arnold aimed to replicate against Bahrain. Australia started strongly, with Alessandro Circati's long-range shot being tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla.

However, Bahrain held firm, effectively using the right wing to launch dangerous counterattacks. The game slowed down late in the first half before Craig Goodwin's several piercing crosses into the box were left unrewarded due to poor finishing. Bahrain continued to defend resolutely after the interval, with Arnold introducing 18-year-old substitute Nestory Irankunda, who recently joined Bayern Munich.

Irankunda provided some energetic bursts but failed to ignite a game that was increasingly bogged down by stoppages and rising tempers. Yengi's dismissal left Australia rattled, and they were left stunned by the late winner as Bahrain celebrated a historic victory.