AFC Futsal Asian Cup
With just two days until the big kick-off, the-AFC.com highlights one player from each team to look out for.
Group A
Syauqi Saud (Indonesia)
Syauqi Saud (Indonesia)
Syauqi will be relied on to spearhead Indonesia’s challenge on home soil, having experienced the 2022 edition where he helped his nation to a quarter-final finish. The 29-year-old also scored twice in Indonesia’s run to the SEA Games 2025 gold medal.
Salim Kadhim (Iraq)
Kadhim will be going into his second AFC Futsal Asian Cup with Iraq after being part of the squad in the 2024 edition where they reached the quarter-finals. Kadhim was a man in form in the Qualifiers, netting five goals as Iraq topped Group D.
Shokhrukh Makhmadaminov (Kyrgyz Republic)
A veteran of two previous Finals (2020, 2024), Makhmadaminov will be raring to go as Kyrgyz Republic look to better their quarter-final appearance in the last edition. The player’s three goals took the Central Asian side to top spot in the Qualifiers F.
Lee Jun-won (Korea Republic)
At 32 years of age, Lee is the elder statesman in this Korea Republic side but will be making his tournament debut at Indonesia 2026, with the Gyeonggi LBFS player having started each of their Qualifiers Group B matches.
Group B
Muhammad Osamanmusa (Thailand)
The jewel in a Thailand side who are looking to go one better following their runners-up finish two years ago. Playing for FS Cartegena in Spain, Osamanmusa was at his devastating best in the Qualifiers, scoring six goals as he helped Thailand emerge Group B winners.
Nguyen Thinh Phat (Vietnam)
Thinh Phat shoulders the responsibility for a Vietnam side seeking to finally break into the semi-final stage - having seen their last three appearances all end in the quarter-finals. The TSN HCMC player will be confident after bagging five goals in the Qualifiers.
Saleh Alfadhel (Kuwait)
If Kuwait are to erase the disappointment of a group stage exit in 2024, they will look no further than Alfadhel, The 31-year-old found the net four times as the West Asian side matched Australia for points in Group A of the Qualifiers.
Karim Joueidi (Lebanon)
Joueidi will have to be at his best in what is a tough group for Lebanon but the 29-year-old custodian will draw plenty of confidence, having helped his club side Central Jounieh win the 2024/25 Lebanese Futsal League.
Group C
Yusei Arai (Japan)
Determination to erase the memories of a group stage exit is the motivation for Arai and company as the four-time Asian champions look to regain their place at the top of the futsal chain in Asia.
Elbek Tulkinov (Uzbekistan)
Armed with the experience of featuring in the last edition, Tulkinov will lead an experienced Uzbekistan side into the tournament as they look to make another memorable run, having gone close to knocking eventual champions, IR Iran last time out.
Idris Yorov (Tajikistan)
Five goals from Yorov in the Qualifiers saw Tajikistan run Japan close before losing in their final Qualifiers tie, with the 26-year-old player one of nine players who were part of the 2024 squad that reached the semi-finals.
Cesar Casado Rubio (Australia)
The only player in the squad to play outside of Australia, Casado Rubio turns out for Spanish side Club Deportivo Basico Rivas. The 31-year-old was not part of the Qualifiers squad but with Corey Sewell unavailable, Casado Rubio’s influence will be crucial to Australia’s chances.
Group D
Bagher Mohammadi (IR Iran)
Mohammadi was unavailable for the Qualifiers as Iran qualified from Group H with maximum points. The 2024 edition’s Best Goalkeeper is, however, back in the fold and will aim to keep the rearguard safe with Iran seeking a record-extending 14th title.
Mohammad Moradi (Afghanistan)
Moradi’s three goals in the Qualifiers powered Afghanistan to the Group H top spot with the Central Asian side looking to build on an excellent debut in 2024 where they lost in the quarter-finals but won the playoffs to reach the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024.
Fahad Rudyani (Saudi Arabia)
Rudyani is up to make up for lost time, having missed out on the 2024 edition as he looks to spark the West Asian side to a first knockout stage appearance after the Al-Ula player contributed to their successful qualification.
Awalluddin Nawi (Malaysia)
Malaysia return to the continental showpiece after missing the last two editions, with Awalluddin’s goal in the 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates sending the Southeast Asian side through.
Note: Data provided by participating Member Associations. AFC is not responsible for accuracy of the data.
