When IR Iran lifted the inaugural AFC U-20 Championship title 2017, Moghadam was assistant to Ali Sanei, but the head coach says much has improved in Asian futsal since IR Iran’s 2017 triumph and he believes his team face a huge challenge.

Thailand, as hosts of the inaugural edition, finished third with players like Muhammad Osamanmusa and Ronnachai Jungwongsuk going on to make a name for themselves with the national senior squad.

Tajikistan will be Japan’s first opponents and head coach Eradzh Nasikhov said his side are prepared to take on the 2017 quarter-finalists.

Talib Muhammad was noticeably upset two years ago after their 2-0 loss to Islamic Republic of Iran in the final, but that bitter memory has only galvanised him and his squad to return to the tournament with their eyes on the prize. 

“We are not under any pressure,” Talib Muhammad proclaimed. “My players are experienced in the Iraq Futsal League, which is of a high level.

“We are here to be the champions this time, and I don’t think we will have any problems in reaching it.”

Standing in their way are 11 of the most promising sides on the Continent, who will compete for the trophy from June 14 to 22 having sealed their final spots after a tough qualifying campaign that showcased the development of Asian futsal.

The Group A tie will be a rematch between the two Central Asian sides, having met previously in the Central Zone Qualifiers last December with Iran emerging as 4-2 victors. They are also joined by Hong Kong, who will be making their first-ever appearance in the tournament.

Thailand, hosts of the inaugural edition and third place finishers two years ago, will be joined by 2017 quarter-finalists Lebanon and Kyrgyz Republic in Group B.

Host: Islamic Republic of Iran
Central Zone: Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan, Tajikistan
West Zone: Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia
East Zone: Japan, Chinese Taipei
ASEAN Zone: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia