(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Set for Tough Test in AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Pakistan is set to embark on its debut campaign in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 qualifiers, with a challenging group-stage assignment confirmed following the official draw.
Placed in Group D, Pakistan will face off against Iraq, Chinese Taipei, and hosts Saudi Arabia—three experienced sides in Asian futsal. The qualifiers will take place from September 20 to 24, 2025, and will feature 31 teams vying for 16 spots at the tournament finals.
To secure a place in the main event, Pakistan must either top their group or finish as one of the seven best second-placed teams across all groups. The host nation Indonesia has already secured automatic qualification for the final tournament, which is scheduled for January 27 to February 7, 2026.
While Saudi Arabia will enjoy home advantage and Iraq brings a strong reputation in the region, Pakistan’s national futsal team is showing promising signs of development. In recent years, futsal has grown steadily in Pakistan, with more grassroots players making their way to the national setup.
This marks a significant step forward for Pakistan’s presence in Asian futsal. A solid performance in the qualifiers could boost the team’s visibility and help establish Pakistan as a competitive side in the regional futsal scene.
The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but it also offers a unique opportunity for Pakistan to gain valuable experience on the continental stage.
