Japan’s Takahashi, Uzbekistan’s Elibaev primed for showdown

Sat, 31 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Takahashi, Uzbekistan’s Elibaev primed for showdown

Jakarta: Uzbekistan will need to go full throttle against Japan in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group C clash if they are to confirm their place in the knockout stage.

While Japan qualified with a match to spare after beating Tajikistan 3-0, Nodir Elibaev’s men - who are on four points after defeating Australia 4-2, cannot afford to lose on Sunday.

Waiting in the wings are their Central Asian neighbours Tajikistan, who have a chance of taking the remaining spot if they beat Australia and Uzbekistan fall to the four-time champions.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-group-c-tajikistan-0-3-japan

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-group-c-australia-2-4-uzbekistan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3153925

Group D top spot matters for Afghanistan, IR Iran

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Group D top spot matters for Afghanistan, IR Iran

Jakarta: It will be a battle for the purists when Afghanistan take on Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D decider on Sunday.

Both have been flawless thus far, qualifying for the quarter-finals with a match to spare but something will have to give in Sunday’s highly-anticipated encounter.

Rakhmatov confident of Uzbekistan’s title chances

Sat, 31 Jan, 2026

Rakhmatov confident of Uzbekistan’s title chances

Jakarta: Anaskhon Rakhmatov is confident that the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ is Uzbekistan’s for the taking.

One of the most recognisable futsal names in his nation, Rakhmatov scored in the 14th minute to bring his side back into their game after Australia were two up. His goal opened the way for the Central Asian side to go on to emerge 4-2 winners. 

Khairul hopeful of brighter future for Malaysia

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Khairul hopeful of brighter future for Malaysia

Jakarta: With more than two decades of involvement in the futsal scene in Malaysia, Khairul Effendy has seen it all but one target still eludes him.

Still playing competitively at the age of 39 years old, Khairul has seen good development of futsal over the years in Malaysia but feels it is not yet at the level which he had hoped forr.

Saudi Arabia’s Aldahhan enjoying ‘coaching’ role

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Aldahhan enjoying ‘coaching’ role

Jakarta: Humood Aldahhan believes being a goalkeeper in futsal demands more than just keeping shots out and trying to keep a clean sheet for the team.

A key player for Saudi Arabia at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™, the 28-year-old said the game requires diverse responsibility for the player between the posts.

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 one-month countdown begins with Trophy Road Trip

Perth: The one-month countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ got underway in spectacular fashion at Scarborough Beach in Perth, where the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee launched the official AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Trophy Road Trip.

Set against Western Australia’s iconic coastline, the launch offered fans a rare chance to get up close to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy, the most prestigious silverware in women’s football in Asia.