Manama will welcome a coach with Asian title-winning experience this November, after Bahrain appointed Félix Sánchez as its new national-team manager for the road to the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Barcelona-born coach takes over following Bahrain’s exit from the Gulf Nations Cup, where three Group B defeats brought Dragan Talajic’s spell to an end. Bahrain lost 2-0 to Qatar, 3-0 to the United Arab Emirates and 5-2 to Yemen in a disappointing campaign for a side that has lifted the regional trophy twice in recent years.
Sánchez is due to begin work during the November international window. His arrival gives Bahrain a manager familiar with both the demands of Gulf football and the wider Asian international calendar.
An Asian Cup-winning record
Sánchez’s most significant success came with Qatar, whom he guided to the 2019 Asian Cup title. He also led the hosts at the 2022 World Cup, Qatar’s first appearance at the finals of the tournament.
Having started his coaching career in Barcelona’s youth system, Sánchez worked with Qatar’s senior side from 2017 until 2022. He then moved to South America, taking charge of Ecuador between 2023 and 2024.
For Bahrain, the appointment comes with a clear long-range target. The country won the Gulf Nations Cup in 2019 and again in the 2024-25 edition, but the federation has turned to Sánchez after the latest regional setback.
Bahrain’s 2027 Asian Cup challenge
The 2027 Asian Cup will run from 7 January to 5 February. Bahrain have been placed in Group B alongside Jordan, North Korea and Uzbekistan, setting up a varied section that brings together opponents from West, Central and East Asia.
Sánchez’s first task will be to use the November dates to establish his staff, assess the squad and begin shaping Bahrain’s preparation for that tournament. His previous Asian Cup triumph with Qatar offers Bahrain both a proven continental pedigree and a coach accustomed to working toward a major regional finals campaign.
