Who Will India Face in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers?
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Synopsis
India is set to compete in Group A of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 qualifiers alongside Kuwait, Australia, and Mongolia. With the draw reflecting FIFA Futsal rankings for the first time, the stakes are high as they aim for a spot in the finals. Can they overcome past disappointments?
Key Takeaways
- India will compete in Group A with Kuwait, Australia, and Mongolia.
- The qualifiers are influenced by FIFA rankings for the first time.
- India seeks redemption after previous losses in qualifiers.
- The finals are set to take place in January 2026 in Indonesia.
- Exciting matchups scheduled from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait City.
Kuala Lumpur, June 26 (NationPress) India has found itself in Group A of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 qualifiers, sharing the stage with hosts Kuwait, Australia, and Mongolia. The draw, conducted at the AFC House on Thursday, marked a significant moment as it was the first to align with FIFA Futsal rankings.
A total of 31 teams have been divided into eight groups—seven comprising four teams each and one with three teams. The eight group winners, along with the seven best-ranked runners-up, will have the opportunity to join hosts Indonesia in the finals scheduled from January 27 to February 7.
Currently ranked 135th globally, India is gearing up for its second qualification attempt after a challenging campaign in 2023, where they faced defeats in all three matches.
In Group A, India faces tough competition with Kuwait, Australia, and Mongolia positioned at 40th, 52nd, and 112th respectively in the FIFA rankings. The qualifiers are set to take place from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait City.
The other groups include top seeds such as Thailand, who will compete against Korea Republic, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam in Group B. In Group C, four-time champions Japan lead the way alongside hosts Tajikistan, Macau, and Cambodia. Group D will see a showdown between Iraq, hosts Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei, and Pakistan for a spot in the finals.
Group E features Vietnam, Lebanon, hosts China PR, and Hong Kong, China, while Group F includes Uzbekistan, hosts Kyrgyz Republic, Timor-Leste, and Palestine. Defending champions and 13-time winners, Islamic Republic of Iran, will compete in Group G alongside Malaysia (hosts), UAE, and Bangladesh, while Group H features Aghanistan, Myanmar (hosts), and Maldives as they strive for qualification.
AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 Qualifiers Draw:
Group A: Kuwait (H), Australia, Mongolia, India.
Group B: Thailand (H), Korea Republic, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam.
Group C: Japan, Tajikistan (H), Macau, Cambodia.
Group D: Iraq, Saudi Arabia (H), Chinese Taipei, Pakistan.
Group E: Vietnam, Lebanon, China PR (H), Hong Kong China.
Group F: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic (H), Timor-Leste, Palestine.
Group G: IR Iran, Malaysia (H), UAE, Bangladesh.
Group H: Afghanistan, Myanmar (H), Maldives.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize that India's participation in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers represents not just a sporting event but a chance for national pride and growth in the sport. With the right preparation, our team can make a significant impact.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers take place?
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers are scheduled from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait City.
Who are India's opponents in Group A?
India will compete against Kuwait, Australia, and Mongolia in Group A.
How many teams are participating in the qualifiers?
A total of 31 teams are competing in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers.
What is India's current FIFA ranking?
India is currently ranked 135th in the world according to FIFA.
What is the format of the qualifiers?
The qualifiers consist of eight groups, with the top teams advancing to join the hosts Indonesia in the finals.
