Japan’s Takahashi magnanimous in defeat

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026

Japan’s Takahashi magnanimous in defeat

Jakarta: Japan head coach Indonesia Kensuke Takahashi admitted Indonesia had outplayed his side in their 5-3 loss in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ semi-finals on Thursday.

The four-time champions fell behind to a first-half goal but came back strongly in the second to draw 3-3 in regulation time, with skipper Kazuya Shimizu levelling the score in the last minute with a penalty after the hosts had taken the lead a minute earlier. 

The Samurai Five’s rally, however, came undone in extra time as they succumbed to goals from Reza Gunawan and Rizki Amanda.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-semi-finals-indonesia-5-3-japan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3155000

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3155002

Carlos, Kadhim proud of Iraq

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

Carlos, Kadhim proud of Iraq

Jakarta: Head coach Joao Carlos and Salim Kadhim expressed a feeling of achievement after Iraq gave defending champions Islamic Republic of Iran a scare before bowing out of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ on Thursday.

Iraq took the lead twice in their semi-final against the 13-time champions but eventually had to relent to the might of Iran with Carlos attributing their performance to good game management.

S-final: Indonesia stun Japan to create history

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

S-final: Indonesia stun Japan to create history

Jakarta: Indonesia stormed into the final of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ by stunning four-time champions Japan 5-3 after extra time in their semi-final on Thursday.

Indonesia, who survived a late fightback when Japan came back to draw 3-3 in regulation time, will meet Islamic Republic of Iran in their first ever appearance in the final on Saturday. 

S-final: IR Iran fight back to beat Iraq

Mon, 09 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 Indonesia on Saturday in their bid for a 14th title.

Final Draws to set 2026 stage for #AFCU17 and #U17WAC

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

Final Draws to set 2026 stage for #AFCU17 and #U17WAC

Kuala Lumpur: The casts for both the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ and AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will learn their Group Stage fate on February 12 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Qualification for the next edition of Asia’s U17 women’s national team showpiece concluded in October 2025, with the eight group winners advancing to join four automatically-qualified sides. Meanwhile, seven group winners progressed from the Qualifiers for the men’s equivalent in November 2025 to complete the final line-up alongside nine automatic entrants.

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.