Urooj Niazi 
pakistan joins afc futsal asian cup qualifiers for the first time
Pakistan to Make Historic Debut in AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers
Pakistan is preparing to take part in its first AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers. It is a great opportunity in the history of football in Pakistan. The qualifiers will include a total of 32 countries, with the draw taking place on the 26th June at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. The teams will be drawn into 8 groups, consisting of 7 groups of four teams and one group of three teams. The group stage matches will be played from September 20th to September 24th.
Pakistan is in Pot 4 along with India, Bangladesh, Brunei, and other debutant or unranked teams based on FIFA Futsal Men’s World Rankings, and Pakistan currently holds no FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking.
“Although we might not be favorites, we have an opportunity to gain experience playing at the international level, build our future ranking, and demonstrate our quality in front of a continental audience, “said the national team statement. The top team in each group and the 7 best second-place teams will qualify for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals to be held in Indonesia in January 2026.
Pakistan will face stiff competition, particularly from elite futsal countries like Iran (World no. 5), Thailand (11), Japan (13), and Uzbekistan (23) — all consistent contenders at the tournament since its inception in 1999. With growing anticipation for the draw, fans are optimistic that this inaugural trip will foster a means for long-lasting development of futsal in Pakistan.
