AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026: Iran into semifinals after comeback against Uzbekistan
Iran rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Uzbekistan and book their place in the semifinals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, setting up a Thursday clash in the last four.
In a game of momentum swings, Vahid Shamsaei’s men found themselves 2–0 down early before clawing back with a relentless offensive surge, ultimately sealing a 7-4 victory and advancement in the continental showpiece on Tuesday.
Among the standout moments was Iran's Saeid Ahmadabbasi leveling the match with a scissor kick at the 8th minute.
Ahmadabbasi, meeting a long throw from his goalkeeper, controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing an acrobatic volley from the edge of the circle that bounced off the floor and flew past the Uzbek goalkeeper — a breathtaking strike that shifted the momentum in Iran’s favor.
The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, hosted by Indonesia from January 27 to February 7, features 16 of Asia’s top national futsal teams vying for the region’s premier title.
Team Melli entered the tournament as defending champion and the most decorated team in the event’s history with 13 titles to its name.
Team Melli dominated Group D in the initial phase in Jakarta, finishing with a perfect record — including wins over Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Afghanistan — to top the group and advance to the knockouts with confidence.
Iran now turns its focus to the semifinals, where it will face the winner of the Thailand vs. Iraq quarterfinal.
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