Jakarta, SERU.co.id – Indonesia’s national futsal team has etched its name in history by finishing as runners-up at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, marking the first time they’ve reached the final. The Garuda squad suffered a dramatic defeat to Iran via a 4-5 penalty shootout after a thrilling 5-5 draw through extra time. This achievement has boosted the team’s confidence heading into the AFC Futsal 2028, where they aim to secure a World Cup berth.
Indonesian coach Hector Souto stressed that his team felt no pressure during the final. Despite falling short of the title, the runner-up finish represents the best performance in the history of Indonesia’s participation in the Asian Cup.
“How could we feel pressured when this is our first final? Iran, with over 100 AFC matches and only four losses, was the one under pressure. They have the tradition and quality of champions,” Souto declared.
He added that Indonesia had won something greater than a trophy. Notably, Souto had previously led Indonesia to the AFF Cup 2024 title and gold at the 2025 SEA Games.
“We’ve earned respect, not just from our own country, but from Asia and the world. We don’t promise victories—only hard work and continuous improvement,” the Spanish coach stated on his personal Instagram @souto.h.
Back-and-Forth Battle Yields Goals Throughout
The match was intense from the opening whistle. Iran struck first in the 4th minute through Hossein Tayebi, silencing the home crowd. Indonesia responded resiliently, surging ahead 3-2 by the end of the first half.
In the second half, Iran regained momentum with attacks to level the score at 3-3 just three minutes in. The end-to-end action persisted until full time ended in a deadlock. During extra time, Indonesia briefly led again via Israr Megantara’s goal, but Saeid Ahmad Abbasi quickly equalized for Iran, forcing penalties at 5-5.
In the shootout, the Garuda had to concede the edge to Iran, 4-5.
Indonesia’s Impressive Tournament Run
Prior to the final, Indonesia showed consistency from the group stage. Drawn in Group A with South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, and Iraq, the Garuda kicked off with a convincing 5-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday (January 27, 2026). Two days later, they defeated Kyrgyzstan 5-3, before drawing 1-1 with Iraq to close out the group.
With two wins and a draw, Indonesia topped Group A and advanced to the quarterfinals. There, they edged out Vietnam 3-2 in the round of eight. In the semifinals, Indonesia stunned Japan with a 5-3 victory.
Iran’s Asian Dominance Continues
Meanwhile, Iran reaffirmed its status as Asia’s futsal powerhouse. In the semifinals, the Iranian Lions dispatched Iraq 4-2. Earlier, they overcame Uzbekistan 7-4 in the quarterfinals and dominated the group stage with wins over Afghanistan (5-2), Saudi Arabia (2-0), and Malaysia (4-1).
The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup title marks Iran’s 14th championship, solidifying their continental supremacy. In prior Asian Cup clashes with Indonesia, Iran had always prevailed convincingly, including 13-3 (2004), 20-1 (2006), 5-1 (2014), and 5-0 (2022). The 2026 final was Indonesia’s fiercest resistance yet.
Individual Accolades
Amid the title heartbreak, Indonesia still claimed individual honors. National team goalkeeper Ahmad Habiebie was named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026.
Iran’s Saeid Ahmad Abbasi took home Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors, while Thailand’s Muhammad Osamanmusa led the tournament in scoring. Japan rounded out the podium in third place.
Unfortunately, the 2026 edition did not allocate World Cup qualification spots. Indonesia must now regroup and maintain momentum, targeting at least a top-four finish at the 2028 Asian Cup to earn their inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup ticket. (aan/rhd)
