In a landmark moment for Indian futsal, the national team recorded their first-ever international victory by defeating Mongolia 3-0 on September 24, 2025, at the Qushaian Al Mutairi Hall in Ardiya, Kuwait. This match marked the final fixture of Group A in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Despite earlier losses to Kuwait (1-4) and Australia (1-10), India ended their campaign on a positive note by showing determination and skill against Mongolia, which is ranked significantly higher in FIFA futsal rankings. Though India did not qualify for the tournament proper, the win was a morale booster for players, officials, and supporters.
A Breakthrough Performance Amidst Challenging Campaign
India’s fledgling futsal team, ranked 135th globally, faced tough opponents in their qualifying group, with Kuwait and Australia among Asia’s stronger teams. The opening two matches exposed India’s developmental gaps, with lopsided defeats pointing to the need for improvement in physical conditioning and tactical play.
However, they turned the tide in the final game against Mongolia, ranked 110th, with an all-around team effort. The goals were scored by Seaon D’Souza (2) and Anmol Adhikari, reflecting a more cohesive attacking approach. Iranian head coach Reza Kordi, who was appointed earlier this year, acknowledged the team’s growth, stating, “We learned a lot from our matches and showed great motivation and resilience against Mongolia.”
India’s journey in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers took place in a highly competitive structure with 31 teams divided into eight groups. The qualifying format was a single round-robin stage where each team played against all others in their group at centralized venues between September 20 and 24, 2025.
The top team from each group, along with the seven best runners-up, qualified for the final tournament in Indonesia in 2026. This format tests consistency, stamina, and strategy over several matches, offering valuable experience for emerging teams like India in developing competitive resilience and tactical adaptability.
Context and Road Ahead for Indian Futsal
India’s journey in international futsal began only recently in 2023, and the current team is still in a developmental stage. The AFC Qualifiers exposed the disparity between India and more established futsal nations in Asia. According to coach Kordi, limited preparation time, physical challenges, and experience gaps affected early results.
Nonetheless, the final victory proved India’s potential, giving hope for increased domestic focus on futsal infrastructure and youth development. The squad, composed of a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, has gained valuable insights from both friendlies and qualifiers.
Experts suggest that with sustained investment in grassroots and professional coaching, India can steadily improve in futsal, mirroring the growth trajectory of Indian football.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s first international futsal win is more than a sporting statistic; it is a testament to perseverance, learning, and incremental progress. The match exemplifies how emerging sports in India deserve recognition and support, not only for their competitive potential but for fostering a spirit of persistence and national pride.
History is made! India's first-ever international futsal victory! 💙🇮🇳#MNGIND #ACFutsal2026 #FutsalTigers pic.twitter.com/11prYdEoKS
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 24, 2025
