The road to the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 begins this Saturday, January 11, as 18 national teams compete for nine coveted spots in the prestigious tournament.
Divided into four groups, teams will battle to advance to the Finals and join hosts China, defending champions Iran, and 2018 runners-up Japan in May 2025.
Historic First for the Women’s Game
For the first time, qualifying rounds are being held for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, marking a milestone for the sport. Iran, champions of the 2015 and 2018 editions, will aim to maintain their dominance, while seven teams — Australia, India, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Myanmar, Palestine, and the Philippines — are set to make their debuts.
This year’s tournament carries added stakes, as the top three finishers in China 2025 will earn places in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted by the Philippines later that year.
Key Matchups and Schedule
Group A: Showdowns in Nonthaburi, Thailand
The Qualifiers kick off at the Nonthaburi Stadium with Bahrain (FIFA Rank: 36) facing Lebanon (29) at 4:30 PM. Iraq (53), fresh off their West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Futsal Championship victory, will meet Palestine (34) at 7:30 PM. Thailand (6), Asia’s top-ranked team and five-time Southeast Asian Games champions, enters the fray on January 13 against Palestine.
Group C: Host Uzbekistan Eyes Third Qualification
In Tashkent, unranked Australia takes on Turkmenistan (38) at 3:00 PM in the group’s opening match, followed by Kuwait (61) against the Philippines (59) at 6:00 PM. Hosts Uzbekistan (18) begin their campaign on January 13 against the Philippines, hoping to build on their 2018 quarter-final run.
Group B: Indonesia Welcomes the Competition
With Pakistan’s withdrawal, Group B is down to four teams. On January 15, Hong Kong, China (31), meets India at 1:00 PM, followed by hosts Indonesia (24) versus the Kyrgyz Republic (69) at 4:00 PM in Yogyakarta.
Group D: Vietnam’s Momentum and Myanmar’s Challenge
In Yangon, Group D opens with Chinese Taipei (25) facing Macau (45) at 2:00 PM. Vietnam (11), fresh from their ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship win, takes on hosts Myanmar (37) at 5:00 PM as they aim for a third Finals appearance and a stronger performance after their 2018 fourth-place finish.
Looking Ahead
The competition promises a blend of emerging talent and seasoned contenders, with the stakes higher than ever as teams vie for Asian Cup glory and a shot at global recognition in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. Fans can expect thrilling action, compelling storylines, and a celebration of women’s futsal on the road to China 2025.
Kawasaki Frontale beat Al Sadd 3-2 after extra time to become the only East Asian club in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals.