India Gears Up For AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers In Kuwait: 'Can Reach Top Four'

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 22:42 IST

India prepares for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Kuwait under coach Reza Kordi, selecting top talent from the AIFF Futsal Club Championship after a Bengaluru camp.

India futsal men's team head coach Reza Kordi (AIFF)

Futsal in India is still developing. Nonetheless, with 17 teams participating in the annual AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the sport is gradually progressing.

Two years ago, the Indian men’s futsal national team played its first Asian qualifiers in Tajikistan. Now, the team is preparing for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held from September 20 to 24 in Kuwait.

Following the scouting of the best players from the AIFF Futsal Club Championship, the Indian men’s futsal team gathered in Bengaluru for a 20-day camp to prepare for the qualifiers.

Reza Kordi, appointed as the head coach of the Indian futsal team, was present in Rudrapur during the Futsal Club Championship. He selected the top talents from the tournament for the qualifiers.

Originally from Iran, Kordi brings extensive experience in coaching futsal in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Myanmar, Thailand, Afghanistan, and his home nation.

“I feel that India great potential, and that this is the right time to take this forward and develop a strong team culture," said Kordi.

“There is not much difference (with other countries). The main gap is futsal knowledge and experience. Indian players are fast, intelligent, and have a strong mentality – they just need more exposure. With the right system and regular competition, India can reach the top four in Asia."

Who Will India Face In AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers?

India has been placed in Group A for the Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, where they will face hosts Kuwait on September 20, Australia on September 22, and Mongolia on September 24.

The teams finishing top of their respective groups, along with the seven best second-placed teams (out of eight groups), will join hosts Indonesia in the tournament next year.

“Our opponents have been preparing for longer, which may be an area of concern, but honestly, we are not thinking much of it. We have very good players, and the federation is supporting us well," he said.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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First Published:

September 02, 2025, 22:42 IST

News sports India Gears Up For AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers In Kuwait: 'Can Reach Top Four'

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