#ACFutsal2026 - Know Your Teams: Group A

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

#ACFutsal2026 - Know Your Teams: Group A

Jakarta: The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ kicks off in a matter of days with the 16 teams fine tuning their preparations.

As anticipation for the continental showpiece grows, the-AFC.com profiles the cast - starting with Group A.

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#ACFutsal2026 challengers set for Indonesia showdown

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

#ACFutsal2026 challengers set for Indonesia showdown

Kuala Lumpur: Thrilling battles await at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ when it kicks off on January 27 (Tuesday) in Jakarta as 16 teams chase ultimate glory.

The 18th edition of the tournament features a host of familiar contenders, with 13 returning from the previous campaign in 2024, including the ever-present quartet of Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Thailand and Uzbekistan, who extend their record of appearing in every Finals to date.

Puche credits hard work for China PR’s super show

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Puche credits hard work for China PR’s super show

Jeddah: Head coach Antonio Puche did not hide his satisfaction after masterminding China PR’s 3-0 win against Vietnam in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

The Spaniard attributed the triumph - which sealed China PR a place in the final after having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five participations - to meticulous preparation and tireless effort.

Oiwa lauds Japan for passing stiff test with flying colours

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Oiwa lauds Japan for passing stiff test with flying colours

Jeddah: Go Oiwa was unreserved in his praise after Japan edged Korea Republic 1-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

The win took Oiwa’s side within one match of defending their title and the tactician was pleased that his players had passed a stiff test with top marks.

Kim: Hieu Minh injury reason for Vietnam’s defeat

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Kim: Hieu Minh injury reason for Vietnam’s defeat

Jeddah:  Head coach Kim Sang-sik knew exactly why Vietnam went down 3-0 to China PR in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday - the forced substitution of Nguyen Hieu Minh.

The defender had to be replaced in the 33rd minute due to injury and Kim admitted his side could not cope defensively after that. 

Poor finishing cost us, says Korea Republic’s Lee

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Poor finishing cost us, says Korea Republic’s Lee

Jeddah: Head coach Lee Min-sung admitted poor finishing was the reason why his Korea Republic side fell to Japan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

A subpar first half saw Korea Republic trailing at the break to Kaito Koizumi’s 36th minute strike and while Lee was able to get a reaction from his players in the second half, a combination of woeful finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Rui Araki meant their title hopes were ended.