Bahrain's national football team represents the Kingdom of Bahrain, a small island nation in the Arabian Gulf. The team is governed by the Bahrain Football Association and competes under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), taking part in qualifying campaigns for both the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
Bahrain has established itself as a competitive mid-tier side within Asian football. The team achieved notable recognition in the early 2000s when it came close to qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, reaching the intercontinental play-off stage — a landmark moment that signaled the country's growing footballing ambitions. That period represented one of the team's most celebrated eras and drew widespread attention to the national programme.
In the AFC Asian Cup, Bahrain has qualified for the tournament on several occasions, demonstrating consistent, if not dominant, regional presence. The team's performances have often reflected the strength of Bahrain's domestic league, which has produced players who go on to represent the national side with distinction.
Bahrain's footballing identity is built around a tight-knit squad culture and a passionate support base that punches above its weight given the nation's modest population. The country's investment in football infrastructure, including its club scene — anchored by historically successful clubs competing in continental competitions — has helped elevate the standard of the national team over the decades.
In the current decade, Bahrain has continued to participate actively in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying, aiming to build on its historical near-miss moments and cement a stronger presence on the continental stage.