AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup
Featuring 12 teams, the action takes place at the Ban Nam Khem Beach Arena in the southern province of Phang Nga for the first time, with Pattaya serving as the location on the previous three occasions that Thailand have played host.
Split into three groups of four, the cast comprises 11 sides that competed at the most recent campaign in 2025, with reigning record four-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan extending their streak of participating at every iteration, while Uzbekistan are back after last being involved in 2023.
The winners and runners-up of each group, together with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the Quarter-finals on November 25. The Semi-finals are decided on November 27, and both the third-place Playoff and Final are slated for November 28.
November 18
Group A
The only team to finish inside the top three at every iteration, Japan undertake their quest for a fourth crown as they look to bounce back from last year’s third-place finish. With the titles from 2009, 2011 and 2019 under their belt, the East Asians face Bahrain at 5pm, as the 2006 champions make their eighth straight appearance and 11th overall.
Home to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ for a fourth time – joint-most with the United Arab Emirates, Thailand can expect partisan support when entering their seventh edition, which has come in consecutive fashion. Having matched their best-ever finish by reaching the last eight in 2025, the Southeast Asians are hungry to go further as they gear up for the 6.30pm tie with Iraq. Joining their seventh Finals and second in a row, the latter will target a first-ever knockout spot.
November 19
Group B
The Islamic Republic of Iran are the competition’s most successful side ever (winners in 2013, 2017, 2023, 2025) and will be determined to hold on to the trophy as their defence starts at 2pm against Afghanistan, who are at their sixth participation and fifth in a row.
The 5pm encounter pits 2025 quarter-finalists Lebanon, chalking up a seventh consecutive showing, against a Vietnam side that is hoping to clinch their first-ever win at their third Finals.
Group C
Heading into a ninth Finals on the bounce, 2015 winners Oman fell just short of a second triumph last year as they emerged runners-up and a new title mission commences at 3.30pm. The opposition is Uzbekistan, who are aiming to progress beyond the Group Stage for the first time at their seventh Finals.
At 6.30pm, all eyes will be on the clash between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Back-to-back champions in 2007 and 2008, UAE are registering an 11th Finals appearance and eighth in a row, while Saudi Arabia get ready for a third consecutive involvement and fourth overall, with sights set on surpassing their best-ever finish of fourth that was achieved last year.
Find the full AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ schedule here. All times indicated are in local time (GMT+7).
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