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AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup
Leading the cast are defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran and the-AFC.com takes a look at just what stands in their way.
IR Iran
Previous appearances: 11
2025 result: Champions
Best result: Champions (2013, 2017, 2023, 2025)
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 9
The undisputed kings of beach soccer in Asia after winning their fourth title in 2025 to move past Japan with the most continental success, Iran will be confident of retaining their title as head coach Naderi Hossein continues at the helm with Ali Mirshekari, who was crowned Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer at the last edition, leading their charge.
Lebanon
Previous appearances: 6
2025 result: Quarter-finals
Best result: Semi-finals (2015, 2017)
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Lebanon will look to Thailand 2026 as an opportunity to break past the quarter-final stage after twice reaching the last eight in the last three editions. The West Asian side can take confidence from a strong showing at the 2026 Arab Beach Soccer Championship earlier this month where they achieved wins against Oman and Libya.
Vietnam
Previous appearances: 2
2025 result: Group Stage
Best result: Group Stage
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
A relative newcomer to the tournament having only made two previous appearances, Vietnam’s enterprising display at Thailand 2025 will not go unnoticed as head coach Mai Van Duc plots a successful campaign for the Southeast Asian side with a place in the knockout stage a priority.
Afghanistan
Previous appearances: 5
2025 result: Group Stage
Best result: Group Stage
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearances: 0
Afghanistan had a tough campaign in 2025 when they finished bottom of Group C after conceding 27 goals and only scoring five in three matches. With Iran in the same group again and the Central Asian derby being the opening match, Afghanistan will be hopeful of a different outcome as they look for a positive start to their campaign.
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