Australia has qualified for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ after finishing top of Group A in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuwait.
Following victories over Mongolia (8-1) and India (10-1), Australia headed into the final match against hosts, Kuwait, needing to avoid defeat to guarantee qualification. Kuwait had also won its opening two matches, but due to superior goal difference Australia had the advantage of being able to secure top spot with a draw.
Kuwait opened the scoring in the seventh minute but Australia replied through Corey Sewell six minutes later, the 29-year-old scoring for the third consecutive match. Kuwait hit the lead again just before half time, but Sewell equalised five minutes into the second half with the final score finishing at 2-2.
The result ensured that the Futsalroos topped Group A, finishing on seven points – along with Kuwait – but with a nine-goal advantage in goal difference. Sewell finished as the Group A top scorer with five goals.
Australia will now compete at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup for the ninth time, having made a long-awaited return to the continental stage in 2024 after an eight-year absence.
Quotes attributable to Futsalroos Head Coach, Miles Downie:
“Backing up our return in 2024 with another qualification shows the progression of the group. The team has come a long way on and off the pitch and it is clear we belong on this stage.
“Kuwait is a very organised, well drilled team that likes to dominate possession. They had some good periods in the game, but the fact our players were able to take back the initiative – even after going behind twice – says a lot about the belief and resilience in this group.
“Qualifying is a good first step. The team is determined to build on this and challenge the best in Asia when we get to Indonesia.”
“This team has shown we can score goals and fight to the very end. The turn around to the Asian Cup is relatively short, but as a group we have become very good at maximising our time together. The players continue to develop quickly, and we look forward arriving at the Asian Cup ready to compete and take another step forward as a group.
“We have a responsibility to keep progressing as a team and as a nation, so we can inspire the next generation of national team players.”
With qualification secured, Australia now shifts its focus to the final tournament – looking to get out of the group stage for the first time since 2016. The Futsalroos’ best finish of fourth place came in 2012.
The draw for the AFC Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ will be made at a future date, with Australia placed into Pot 3. As the AFC Asian Cup is held every two years, the 2026 edition does not serve as qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, which is next held in 2028.
