When Will the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Draw Happen?
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Synopsis
The excitement builds as teams prepare for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026. Will your favorite team make it? Discover the details about the upcoming draw on June 26 and the teams set to compete in this thrilling tournament.
Key Takeaways
- AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw is on June 26.
- 31 teams will compete in the Qualifiers.
- Bangladesh and Pakistan are debuting in the Qualifiers.
- Seeding for the draw is based on the latest FIFA rankings.
- Indonesia automatically qualifies as the host nation.
Kuala Lumpur, June 23 (NationPress) The journey to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 will unfold on June 26, during the official Qualifiers draw ceremony at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
A total of 31 teams have confirmed their participation in the 11th Qualifiers, scheduled from September 20 to 24. The draw will categorize them into eight groups - seven groups of four teams and one group of three - all competing in a centralized league format.
India, ranked 135, will be placed in Pot 4 alongside Hong Kong, China (118), Brunei Darussalam (119), Palestine (121), Cambodia (125), Bangladesh (unranked), and Pakistan (unranked).
Indonesia, hosting the Continental tournament for the second time after 2002, has qualified automatically and will welcome 15 other teams - the eight group winners and the seven best-ranked runners-up from the Qualifiers - at the 18th edition of the Finals, kicking off next January.
Both Bangladesh and Pakistan will make their Qualifiers debut, while the teams from Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Thailand, and Uzbekistan aim to uphold their record of participation in every edition thus far.
For the first time, the draw's seeding will be based on the latest FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking. Teams will be divided into four pots, along with an additional Hosts Pot, as follows:
Pot 1: Islamic Republic of Iran (5), Thailand (11), Japan (13), Uzbekistan (23), Vietnam (31), Afghanistan (33), Kuwait (40), Iraq (41)
Pot 2: Tajikistan (44), Kyrgyz Republic (48), Saudi Arabia (50), Australia (52), Lebanon (53), Myanmar (56), Korea Republic (70), Malaysia (76)
Pot 3: China PR (79), Chinese Taipei (82), Bahrain (83), United Arab Emirates (97), Maldives (106), Timor-Leste (109), Mongolia (112), Macau (115)
Pot 4: Hong Kong, China (118), Brunei Darussalam (119), Palestine (121), Cambodia (125), India (135), Bangladesh (unranked), Pakistan (unranked)
Hosts Pot: Thailand (11; Seeding: 1), Kuwait (40; 1), Tajikistan (44; 2), Kyrgyz Republic (48; 2), Saudi Arabia (50; 2), Myanmar (56; 2), Malaysia (76; 2), China PR (79; 3)
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of national representation in international sports. The upcoming AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers present an invaluable opportunity for nations like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to showcase their talent on a continental stage. We must rally behind our teams and support their journey toward success.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw?
The draw for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers will take place on June 26 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
How many teams are participating in the Qualifiers?
A total of 31 teams will participate in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
What is the format of the Qualifiers?
The Qualifiers will feature eight groups - seven groups of four teams and one group of three, all competing in a centralized league format.
Which teams are debuting in the Qualifiers?
Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to make their Qualifiers debut.
How will the draw be seeded?
For the first time, the draw seeding will be based on the latest FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking.
