Indonesia Set to Face South Korea in AFC Futsal Asian Cup Opener

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national futsal team is gearing up for its first Group A match at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, where they will take on South Korea at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A heated atmosphere is expected to surround the highly anticipated clash.

South Korea enters the tournament determined to avenge its heavy defeats in the last two encounters. Indonesia triumphed 6-2 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2022 and followed up with a 3-0 victory at the CFA International Tournament in China in 2025.

This time, the South Korean squad arrives in Jakarta with a new lineup and tactical approach. The Asian powerhouse is banking on the “Gyeonggi Connection” strategy, fielding a majority of players from domestic league champions Gyeonggi LBFS.

Midfield maestro Shin Jong-hoon is expected to dictate play with sharp vision and precise distribution, while target man Kim Gun-woo poses a serious physical threat to Indonesia’s defense.

Ahead of the continental tournament, Indonesia’s head coach Hector Souto expressed confidence in his team’s readiness. He stressed that the players are committed to delivering their best performance in front of home supporters.

“I believe the players are prepared for the AFC competition. We promise to give our best performance. We cannot guarantee results, but we will fight for the Garuda emblem and for this nation,” Souto said.

The Spanish coach added that the squad has trained intensively and, as hosts, he hopes the team will receive full backing from Indonesian fans.

“We expect active support from futsal enthusiasts in Indonesia, by coming to the arena and cheering directly,” he noted.

Echoing Souto’s call, Chairman of the Indonesian Futsal Federation (FFI), Michael Sianipar, urged fans to fill the stadium and act as the team’s “sixth player,” providing extra pressure on the opposition.

“Statistically we have the advantage, but South Korea is a team with a fighter’s mentality that will never give up until the end. I call on supporters; your energy is our greatest weapon to secure points in this crucial match,” Michael said.

Indonesia is grouped with South Korea, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan. To advance smoothly to the next round, the Garuda squad must secure at least two victories in the group stage. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)