#ACFutsal2026 - In numbers

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

#ACFutsal2026 - In numbers

Jakarta: The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ came to a thrilling end on Saturday with Islamic Republic of Iran and Indonesia serving up a final for the ages with the former defending their title with a 5-4 penalty shootout win.

The 2026 edition will go down in memory as one of the best ever with notable achievements, so join the-AFC.com as we dive into the numbers that made this tournament so remarkable.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3155476

Shamsaee: Triumph is for IR Iran

Sun, 08 Feb, 2026

Shamsaee: Triumph is for IR Iran

Jakarta: Vahid Shamsaee was proud to have provided joy to his country after Islamic Republic of Iran fought back to defeat Indonesia in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ final on Saturday.

Iran were pushed to the limit by first-time finalists Indonesia, who led three times in a pulsating tie but could not prevent the Central Asian side from claiming a record-extending 14th title with a penalty shootout win.

Souto full of praise for amazing Indonesia

Sun, 08 Feb, 2026

Souto full of praise for amazing Indonesia

Jakarta: Indonesia head coach Hector Souto congratulated his side for their stunning performance in an action-packed AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ final against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday.

The exciting, back-and-forth encounter ended 5-5 after extra time with the ensuing penalty shootout seeing Indonesia’s hat-trick hero Israr Megantara missing his spot-kick, giving the Central Asian side a 5-4 win and the continental trophy for a record-extending 14th time.

Indonesia, who qualified for their first final, matched their opponents blow for blow in front of a packed stadium, and trooped off the court with their heads held high.

Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Mon, 09 Feb, 2026

Montemurro relishing home challenge as Matildas chase Asian crown

Kuala Lumpur: Much like the rest of Australia, Joe Montemurro, head coach of the Australia women’s national team, can’t wait to welcome the challenge of chasing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title on home soil.

The return of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Down Under comes at a pivotal moment for the women’s game, building on the momentum generated by the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.

It is therefore fitting that the Matildas’ long search to replace interim coach Tom Sermanni concluded at Joe Montemurro’s doorstep. With silverware won across some of the world’s top leagues, the former midfielder is not one to shy away from a demanding task and is ready to embrace the task at hand without hesitation.

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Sun, 08 Feb, 2026

Kulbyte ready to inspire new dreams in Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: At the start of 2025, Kotryna Kulbyte found herself in completely new surroundings and entrusted with an exciting mission.

Handed the reins of the Uzbekistan women’s national team, she was tasked to lead them to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ – a stage they have not reached since 2003.

Between 1995 and 2003, the Central Asians took part in five consecutive tournaments but have not appeared at the Continental showpiece since a qualification process was introduced from the 2006 edition as they endured five failed campaigns. 

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026

Mai’s passion for Vietnam football burns brightly

Kuala Lumpur: There are few things in life more precious to Mai Duc Chung than the betterment of football in Vietnam, so even though he had already decided to step away in 2023, the lure of the game proved too difficult to resist.

Head coach of the national team for seven years - the highlight of which was guiding Vietnam to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals in 2023, Mai decided it was time to hand the reins to fresh hands.

His boots, however, were hard to fill and with no replacement found, Vietnam Football Federation turned once again to one of their favourites sons and the call was answered with a sense of great duty and pride.