Pakistan Announces 14-Member Squad for AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers

October 15, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially announced its 14-member squad for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025, set to be held in Saudi Arabia from October 18 to 22. This marks a historic debut for Pakistan in the continental futsal event, as the Green Shirts prepare to represent the nation on one of Asia’s biggest futsal stages.

Pakistan Placed in Group D

Pakistan has been drawn in Group D alongside Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Chinese Taipei. Only the group winner will directly qualify for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2025, which will take place later this year.

The tournament was initially scheduled for last month but was postponed by the Saudi authorities due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Pakistan Squad for AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers

Muhammad Ali Khan
Zohair Altaf
Muhammad Bin Masud
Yousaf Ahmad
Hamza Nusrat
Asif Ahmad Chaudhry
Moeez Sajjad
Shams Taj
Zaid Ullah Khan
Ariz Mahmood
Muhammad Hassaan Zafar Khan
Muhammad Tahir
Muhammad Zaid
Muhammad Adan Ashfaq

Preparation and Challenges

The national futsal team has been training in Islamabad under limited facilities, splitting sessions between a private university gymnasium and a basketball court due to venue constraints. Despite these challenges, the players have demonstrated impressive commitment, teamwork, and determination as they look to make a strong impression in their debut campaign.

According to officials, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) views this tournament as a stepping stone toward building a sustainable futsal structure in the country and giving young athletes much-needed international exposure.

Tough Competition Ahead

Eight teams have already qualified for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup, including Indonesia (hosts), Australia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Kyrgyz Republic, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The Group D winner will join these teams, while the best second-placed sides from other groups — such as Kuwait, Korea Republic, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Myanmar — will compete for the remaining seven spots.

Facing formidable opponents like Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan enters the qualifiers as underdogs but with high motivation to make their mark and showcase their growing potential in Asian futsal.

Looking Ahead

With the qualifiers just days away, Pakistan’s futsal squad is determined to deliver strong performances built on discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The nation’s debut appearance in this prestigious event could mark the beginning of a new chapter for futsal in Pakistan.