The Futsalroos are hours away from kicking off their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ campaign, facing heavyweights Japan in their first group-stage match.
Jakarta, Indonesia hosts the tournament's 18th edition with 16 of Asia’s strongest national teams vying for the accolade of lifting a continental title.
- How To Watch: Futsalroos at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™
Although Futsal World Cup qualification is not rewarded for the winner of this year's edition, Futsalroo Tyler Garner said he’s incredibly excited to be on the continent's biggest futsal stage.
“I’m ready to embrace everything that comes with this moment,” Garner said.
“Competing here and representing our country is an honour, and we are looking forward to the challenge of going up against a powerhouse like Japan in our opening match.”
Japan entered Group C as Australia’s highest ranked opponents, with the Samurai Five sitting in 13th on the FIFA Futsal Men’s World Rankings - their greatest all-time position.
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan competed at the 2024 Futsal World Cup, and resemble both Australia and Japan by making the semi-finals of an Asian Cup in previous years.
It was 14 years ago in the United Arab Emirates where the Futsalroos recorded their best Asian Cup campaign to date, finishing fourth while falling to eventual 2012 winners Japan, in the semi-final.
Pivot and national team veteran Grant Lynch feels calm, prepared and a deep belief in those around him on and off the court heading into tonight's clash.
“You work your whole life for moments like this,” Lynch said.
“We get the chance to test ourselves against a strong team.
“We will give everything we have for our friends, our families, our country, and each other.”
Qualification for this year's tournament was routine for the Futsalroos who boasted a goal difference of +16 and recorded a first place group-stage finish against Kuwait, India and Mongolia.
Tonight's match kicks-off at 7pm AEDT (3:00pm local), and is the first of three matches the side will play within the next five days.
Match Details
Japan v Australia
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: 7.00pm AEDT (3.00pm local)
Stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anzbNpVS4_w
