FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup
Head coach Shahrzad Mozafar’s task will be to restore confidence in a side that finished third at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 and look to prove they remain Asia’s best.
Factfile
How they got there: Third at AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025
Head coach: Shahrzad Mozafar
Player to watch: Marel Torkman
Fun fact: Iran won the first two editions of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup
Group D Fixtures: v Brazil (Nov 23), v Panama (Nov 26), v Italy (Nov 29)
Mozafar led Iran to glory when they retained the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ in 2018 with a 5-2 win over Japan in the final - a result that cemented her status as one of the continent’s top women’s futsal coaches.
How they got there: Third at AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025
Head coach: Shahrzad Mozafar
Player to watch: Marel Torkman
Fun fact: Iran won the first two editions of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup
Group D Fixtures: v Brazil (Nov 23), v Panama (Nov 26), v Italy (Nov 29)
Mozafar led Iran to glory when they retained the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ in 2018 with a 5-2 win over Japan in the final - a result that cemented her status as one of the continent’s top women’s futsal coaches.
Spearheading Iran’s charge is 22-year-old Marel Torkman, who starred at Hohhot 2025 with six goals to secure the Top Scorer award.
Torkman’s court presence had been the highlight of Iran’s campaign in Hohhot, with the forward stepping up when called upon, taking over the goal scoring duties from in for Sara Shirbeigi, who was recovering from injury during the tournament.
With Torkman deployed as the target person and with a fit Shirbeigi firing on all cylinders, Iran can match any side on the world stage.
Torkman’s court presence had been the highlight of Iran’s campaign in Hohhot, with the forward stepping up when called upon, taking over the goal scoring duties from in for Sara Shirbeigi, who was recovering from injury during the tournament.
With Torkman deployed as the target person and with a fit Shirbeigi firing on all cylinders, Iran can match any side on the world stage.
The heartbreak of losing their AFC Futsal Asian Cup crown will serve as motivation for the two-time continental champions as they prepare for a challenging Group D campaign starting with Brazil, followed by Panama and Italy.
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” said Torkman on facing Brazil and eight-time Best Women’s Player - Amandinha. “I’m very happy and motivated to be able to play against such a strong team (Brazil) and show them the abilities of Iranian girls.
“Every girl admires Amandinha’s game, and I’m one of those people. I’m happy that I’ll have the chance to compete against her.”
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” said Torkman on facing Brazil and eight-time Best Women’s Player - Amandinha. “I’m very happy and motivated to be able to play against such a strong team (Brazil) and show them the abilities of Iranian girls.
“Every girl admires Amandinha’s game, and I’m one of those people. I’m happy that I’ll have the chance to compete against her.”
Torkman, however, is confident that Iran have the quality and resilience to progress with the likes of Farzaneh Tavasoli shouldering the goalkeeping responsibilities.
“Because our last game is against Italy, there is already a promise of a very beautiful and difficult game awaiting both teams. Italy are one of the world’s futsal powers right now. Iran’s goal is to advance from our group.”
“Because our last game is against Italy, there is already a promise of a very beautiful and difficult game awaiting both teams. Italy are one of the world’s futsal powers right now. Iran’s goal is to advance from our group.”
