Vietnam kicks off at AFC futsal championship

With a rejuvenated squad, coach Diego Giustozzi is determined to beat Kuwait in the opening match of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship.

Vietnam will open their 2026 AFC Futsal Championship campaign against Kuwait at 5 PM on 27/1. The team is placed in group B, where they will also face Lebanon on 29/1 and Thailand on 31/1. Coach Giustozzi aims to advance past the group stage, emphasizing the importance of winning the first match.

"Vietnamese futsal is trying a new direction with a more attacking, younger, and more spirited squad, though not yet fully balanced," the Argentine coach stated at a pre-tournament press conference. "Many teams in Asia are capable of beating any opponent. Our goal is to get through the group stage, but we need to focus entirely on the opening match."

Vietnamese players train in Indonesia in preparation for the opening match. Photo: VFF

Vietnamese players train in Indonesia in preparation for the opening match. Photo: VFF

In preparation for the tournament, Vietnam gathered and trained from 2/1 in Ho Chi Minh City. The team played two friendly matches against Afghanistan, losing 3-5 and 2-5 respectively. However, according to the Argentine coach, the players gained valuable lessons. "We have 7 new players aged 20-21; they need more playing time and experience from such matches."

With key players such as Ho Van Y, Nguyen Minh Tri, Pham Duc Hoa, and Tran Van Vu absent, young talents like Nguyen Da Hai, Vu Ngoc Anh, Trinh Cong Dai, and Dinh Cong Vien are entrusted to step in. The squad also retains experienced names including Chau Doan Phat, Tran Thai Huy, Nguyen Manh Dung, and Nguyen Thinh Phat.

As this year's tournament does not offer World Cup qualification spots, Vietnam is rejuvenating its squad and refining its playing style with the goal of securing a ticket to the 2028 World Cup. Captain Manh Dung said, "We have undergone a good training process and played friendlies to test our squad and match intensity. The young players have shown confidence, good spirit, and continuous professional improvement."

The final round will take place from 27/1 to 7/2/2026 at the Indonesia Arena and Istora Gelora Bung Karno stadiums in Jakarta, Indonesia. The 14 participating teams include Iran, Japan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The teams are divided into 4 groups, competing in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

Iran holds the most impressive record with 13 continental championships. The West Asian representative was also the first team to win the title in 1999 and arrives in Indonesia as the defending champion. The remaining four titles belong to Japan, won in 2006, 2012, 2014, and 2022.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand has the best record, finishing as runner-up in 2008, 2012, and 2024. Vietnam secured a 4th-place finish in 2016. Indonesia reached the quarterfinals in 2022, while Malaysia has never advanced past the group stage.

This marks Vietnam's 8th appearance at the Asian tournament. Additionally, the Vietnamese men's futsal team has participated in two World Cups, in 2016 and 2021.