Why it matters:
The triumph reinforces Iran’s long-standing dominance in Asian futsal and signals the team’s continued status as a global contender, even as emerging programs like Indonesia challenge the region’s traditional hierarchy.
The big picture:
Widely regarded as Asia’s futsal powerhouse, Iran once again demonstrated resilience on the continental stage, overcoming an early deficit, a hostile home crowd, and intense pressure to secure another major trophy.
What happened:
The final of the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup was played on Saturday at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta before a crowd of roughly 16,500.
Iran struck early, with captain Hossein Tayebi scoring in the fourth minute.
Indonesia responded quickly through Reza Gunawan and surged ahead with two additional goals, taking a surprising 3-1 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Defensive lapses and the electric atmosphere forced Iran's head coach, Vahid Shamsaei, to call a timeout to regroup his squad.
Mehdi Karimi pulled one back late in the first half, keeping Iran within reach.
After a determined comeback, the match ended level in regulation time, sending the final to penalties.
Iran ultimately held its nerve in the shootout to seal the championship.
By the numbers:
Attendance: ~16,500
Venue: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta
Result: Iran wins on penalties after a draw in regulation
What they’re saying:
While no immediate post-match quotes were available, the victory underscores Iran’s reputation for composure in high-pressure tournaments, a hallmark of championship teams.
What’s next:
With another continental title secured, Iran is expected to carry momentum into upcoming international competitions, while Indonesia’s breakthrough run to the final suggests a shifting competitive landscape in Asian futsal.
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
