Pakistan to Debut in AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers

Pakistan is on the verge of making its inaugural appearance in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s futsal program.

The draw ceremony, which will determine Pakistan’s path to the 2026 Finals in Indonesia, is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

This event signifies Pakistan’s entry into the Asian futsal qualification landscape, as they join 31 other countries in the competition.

The 32 participating teams will be divided into eight groups for the qualifiers – seven groups comprising four teams each and one group of three teams. These qualifying matches will be conducted in a centralised league format from September 20 to 24.

Pakistan has been allocated to Pot 4, alongside other teams that are either making their debut or have a lower ranking. This placement is based on the latest FIFA Futsal Men’s World Rankings, where Pakistan currently holds an unranked status.

These upcoming qualifiers present an invaluable chance for Pakistan to gain exposure on the international stage and accrue crucial ranking points.

The top team from each group, along with the seven highest-ranked second-placed teams, will secure their spot in the 18th edition of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals in Indonesia, which is slated for January 2026.

The competition is anticipated to be fierce, with futsal powerhouses such as Iran (World No. 5), Thailand (11), Japan (13), and Uzbekistan (23) leading the pack as top-seeded teams. These nations have consistently participated in every edition of the tournament since its establishment in 1999.

Pakistan’s objective will be to cause upsets and lay a solid foundation for sustained progress within the Asian futsal arena.

The group draw, scheduled for 3 PM Malaysia time on June 26, has sparked considerable excitement as Pakistan prepares to experience continental futsal competition for the first time.

Pots for Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers:
  • 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)
  • 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)