News

S-final: IR Iran fight back to beat Iraq

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

S-final: IR Iran fight back to beat Iraq

Jakarta: Islamic Republic of Iran will defend their title after they twice came from behind to defeat Iraq 4-2 in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ semi-final on Thursday.

The Central Asian side - who will be playing in the final for the 16th time - will meet either Japan or Indonesia on Saturday in their bid for a 14th title.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/photo/s-final-iraq-v-ir-iran

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

Torcaso eyes second FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance for Philippines

Kuala Lumpur: Mark Torcaso is determined to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and compatriot Alen Stajcic by leading the Philippines to a second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

Taking over from Stajcic shortly after the Filipinas’ historic debut on the global stage, Torcaso’s experience over the past two years has been a transformative journey defined by a drive to constantly strive for excellence.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-preview-semi-finals

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Kuala Lumpur: Following the proposal put forward by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the 35th AFC Congress to explore the possibility of presenting the host selections for both the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ for approval at a single Congress, the AFC has concluded the process of receiving bids from interested Member Associations (MAs) for the AFC Asian Cup 2035™.

The bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031™ was completed last year and attracted strong interest from across the Continent. Subsequently, and in line with the AFC President's forward-looking approach, invitations to bid for the 2035 edition were circulated to MAs on August 27, 2025, with the submission window closing on December 31, 2025.

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Kuala Lumpur: For Sangita Basfore, India’s qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is a golden chance for the team to prove their mettle on the continental stage. 

India’s place in the Finals was secured off an unbeaten, albeit dramatic, qualifying journey in which Basfore’s brace became the deciding factor in the final-day showdown between the South Asians and Thailand.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-quarter-finals-indonesia-3-2-vietnam

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-quarter-finals-japan-6-0-afghanistan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-quarter-finals-thailand-2-4-iraq

Shimizu, Iqbal eager for showdown

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

Shimizu, Iqbal eager for showdown

Jakarta: Japan captain Kazuya Shimizu and his opposite number Mochammad Iqbal of Indonesia will have their leadership capabilities put to the test when they meet in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ semi-final on Thursday.

Both players proved instrumental in steering their sides to the last four, with four-time champions Japan sweeping aside Afghanistan 6-0 and hosts Indonesia doing well to overcome ASEAN neighbours Vietnam 3-2. 

Azimi, Faisal determined to show their best

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

Azimi, Faisal determined to show their best

Jakarta: Behrooz Azimi and Salim Faisal are equally determined to help Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq reach their ultimate target at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™.

Both teams came through their quarter-final ties with flying colours, beating Uzbekistan 7-4 and Thailand 4-2 respectively but something will have to give with a spot in the final at stake.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-quarter-finals-ir-iran-7-4-uzbekistan