Pakistan Enters AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers for the First Time
Pakistan is poised to create history as it prepares to participate in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 for the very first time. The South Asian nation is among 32 teams competing for a place in the prestigious AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Finals, which will be held in Indonesia.
This debut marks a significant milestone for Pakistan futsal, symbolizing the beginning of its journey in international futsal under the umbrella of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Group Stage Draw Set for June 26 in Kuala Lumpur
The official group draw will take place at 3 PM (Malaysia Time) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan will find out its group-stage opponents in what will be its first continental futsal campaign.
Qualifiers Format: Centralised League from September 20–24
The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups—seven groups of four and one group of three. These qualifiers will be held in a centralised league format from September 20 to 24, 2025.
Qualification Rules: Road to the Finals in Indonesia
The top team from each group, along with the seven best second-placed teams, will qualify for the 18th edition of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup, scheduled for January 2026 in Indonesia.
Pakistan Drawn in Pot 4
Based on the latest FIFA Futsal Men’s World Rankings, Pakistan is currently unranked and has been placed in Pot 4, along with fellow debutants and lower-ranked teams:
🟫 Pot 4 Teams
- Pakistan (unranked)
- Bangladesh (unranked)
- India (135)
- Cambodia (125)
- Palestine (121)
- Brunei Darussalam (119)
- Hong Kong, China (118)
Being in Pot 4 means Pakistan is likely to face tough opponents from higher pots, including top-tier futsal nations.
Top Contenders in the Qualifiers
Pakistan’s competition will include some of Asia’s futsal giants:
🔝 Pot 1 – Heavyweights
- Iran (World Rank: 5)
- Thailand (11)
- Japan (13)
- Uzbekistan (23)
- Vietnam (31)
- Afghanistan (33)
- Kuwait (40)
- Iraq (41)
These teams have a long history of success in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup and will pose major challenges for emerging sides like Pakistan.
Hosts and Group Leaders
Several teams have been pre-selected as hosts for the group stages. These include:
- Thailand
- Kuwait
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Saudi Arabia
- Myanmar
- Malaysia
- China PR
Each host has also been assigned a seeding pot, ranging from 1 to 3, based on their FIFA rankings.
Why This Debut Matters for Pakistan
🟢 International Exposure
Pakistan’s participation offers its futsal players and coaching staff the chance to compete at a continental level, facing off against some of Asia’s best.
🟢 Path to FIFA Ranking
As Pakistan is currently unranked, playing official AFC matches provides the opportunity to gain ranking points and start building its presence in the international futsal ecosystem.
🟢 Foundation for Growth
This campaign marks the beginning of what could be a long-term development plan for futsal in Pakistan, encouraging more structured domestic leagues and youth participation.
AFC Futsal Asian Cup: A Legacy Tournament
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup has been held since 1999 and has featured top teams like Iran, Japan, and Thailand in every edition. The 2026 Finals in Indonesia will mark the 18th edition of the tournament, and for the first time, Pakistan could be part of this elite lineup.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Group Stage Draw | June 26, 2025 |
| Qualifiers (Centralised Format) | Sept 20–24, 2025 |
| AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals | January 2026 |
What to Expect from the Draw
Pakistan is expected to be grouped with at least one top-15 Asian futsal team. The group allocation on June 26 will determine the difficulty of their path to qualification. Fans and officials are already eagerly anticipating the nation’s first-ever match in AFC futsal history.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s entry into the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 is a watershed moment for the country’s futsal development. As they gear up for their debut campaign, all eyes will be on the June 26 draw. Facing continental powerhouses won’t be easy, but the experience gained will be priceless. With determination and strategic planning, Pakistan could surprise many and lay the foundation for a stronger future in Asian futsal.
FAQs
1. Is this Pakistan’s first time in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers?
Yes, 2025 marks Pakistan’s debut in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers.
2. When and where is the group draw?
The draw will be held on June 26, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.
3. How can teams qualify for the 2026 Finals?
The group winners and seven best second-placed teams will qualify for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Indonesia.
4. Which pot is Pakistan in?
Pakistan is in Pot 4, alongside unranked or lower-ranked teams.
5. Who are the top-ranked teams in the qualifiers?
Top teams include Iran (5), Thailand (11), Japan (13), and Uzbekistan (23)