Malaysia, 5 November 2025 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officially conducted the draw for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals on November 5, placing Vietnam in Group B alongside Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The group is considered balanced, giving Vietnam a solid chance to advance to the quarterfinals.
On November 5, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held the official draw for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals, which will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 27 to February 7, 2026. According to the results, Vietnam was placed in Group B, where they will face regional powerhouse Thailand, along with Kuwait and Lebanon.
The draw outcome is seen as favorable for coach Diego Giustozzi and his squad, as Thailand remain the primary challenge, while both Kuwait and Lebanon are considered to have lower overall strength and experience. This gives Vietnam a realistic opportunity to compete for a top-two finish and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals will feature 16 teams, including host nation Indonesia and top futsal programs such as Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. The full list of participants includes Indonesia (host), Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
The tournament will be structured into two phases: the group stage and the knockout rounds. In the group stage, 16 teams are divided into four groups of four, competing in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals and the final, all played in a knockout format.
All matches will be held across two of Indonesia’s most modern futsal arenas in Jakarta, promising high-quality facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. Unlike previous editions, the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup will not serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, as the World Cup cycle will begin later that year.
With strong preparation and the recent development of domestic futsal, Vietnam’s national futsal team under coach Diego aims to make a deep run in the 2026 tournament and build momentum for future continental competitions.
David Toh
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