AFC Futsal Asian Cup
As anticipation for the continental showpiece grows, the-AFC.com profiles the cast - starting with Group A.
Indonesia
Previous appearances: 10
Best finish: Quarter-finals (2022)
2024 record: Did not qualify
How they qualified: Host
Fun fact: Indonesia are one of four Southeast Asian countries to have hosted the Finals. The others are Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Previous appearances: 10
Best finish: Quarter-finals (2022)
2024 record: Did not qualify
How they qualified: Host
Fun fact: Indonesia are one of four Southeast Asian countries to have hosted the Finals. The others are Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Indonesia will not have it easy in Group A with the hosts having to contend with Korea Republic, Kyrgyz Republic and Iraq.
Hector Souto’s side, however, will head into the tournament oozing confidence after winning the SEA Games gold medal for the first time in the 2025 edition and will fancy their chances in their opener against Korea Republic.
Souto is expected to rely on the likes of Rizki Xavier, Ardiansyah Nur, Dewa Rizki Amanda and Romi Humandri - who played vital roles in their SEA Games triumph - to power his side against their Group A opponents.
Hector Souto’s side, however, will head into the tournament oozing confidence after winning the SEA Games gold medal for the first time in the 2025 edition and will fancy their chances in their opener against Korea Republic.
Souto is expected to rely on the likes of Rizki Xavier, Ardiansyah Nur, Dewa Rizki Amanda and Romi Humandri - who played vital roles in their SEA Games triumph - to power his side against their Group A opponents.
Iraq
Previous appearances: 13
Best finish: Fourth (2018)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Group D winners
Fun fact: The 2026 edition will be Iraq’s fifth consecutive appearance in the Finals.
Previous appearances: 13
Best finish: Fourth (2018)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Group D winners
Fun fact: The 2026 edition will be Iraq’s fifth consecutive appearance in the Finals.
Iraq excelled in Group D of the Qualifiers with wins against Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei and Pakistan.
Preparation for the continental tournament saw head coach Joao Carlos Barbucia honing his players in a training camp in Kuwait, which included several friendly matches.
Salim Kadhim - who scored five goals in the Qualifiers - will be one to look out for as Iraq look to better their best ever finish of fourth place.
Preparation for the continental tournament saw head coach Joao Carlos Barbucia honing his players in a training camp in Kuwait, which included several friendly matches.
Salim Kadhim - who scored five goals in the Qualifiers - will be one to look out for as Iraq look to better their best ever finish of fourth place.
Korea Republic
Previous appearances: 15
Best finish: Runners-up (1999)
2024 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: One of best seven runners-up
Fun fact: Korea Republic have reached the semi-final stage in three of their previous 15 appearances.
Previous appearances: 15
Best finish: Runners-up (1999)
2024 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: One of best seven runners-up
Fun fact: Korea Republic have reached the semi-final stage in three of their previous 15 appearances.
Korea Republic qualified after finishing second in Group B behind Thailand, tied on seven points but with an inferior goal difference.
The East Asian side have not been able to hit the heights of the inaugural edition in 1999 where they finished runners-up with their last nine participations ending in the group stage.
Goals will be a concern for Paulo Fernandez, with only seven scored in the Qualifiers but the head coach would have been pleased that they came from different players.
The East Asian side have not been able to hit the heights of the inaugural edition in 1999 where they finished runners-up with their last nine participations ending in the group stage.
Goals will be a concern for Paulo Fernandez, with only seven scored in the Qualifiers but the head coach would have been pleased that they came from different players.
Kyrgyz Republic
Previous appearances: 16
Best finish: Third (2005)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Group F winners
Fun fact: Kyrygz Republic have been a mainstay in the Finals, missing only the 2022 edition in Kuwait.
Previous appearances: 16
Best finish: Third (2005)
2024 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Group F winners
Fun fact: Kyrygz Republic have been a mainstay in the Finals, missing only the 2022 edition in Kuwait.
Kyrgyz Republic will be aiming to carry their qualifying form - where they topped Group F ahead of Central Asian rivals Uzbekistan - into the tournament.
Getting off to a flying start with a 7-1 win against Timor-Leste, which were followed by two thrilling games where they beat Palestine 2-1 and Uzbekistan 3-2 victory, the qualifying campaign showed the recent progress Kyrgyz Republic have made.
With confidence oozing, Kyrgyz Republic will expect to better their 2024 quarter-final appearance.
Getting off to a flying start with a 7-1 win against Timor-Leste, which were followed by two thrilling games where they beat Palestine 2-1 and Uzbekistan 3-2 victory, the qualifying campaign showed the recent progress Kyrgyz Republic have made.
With confidence oozing, Kyrgyz Republic will expect to better their 2024 quarter-final appearance.
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