Indonesia’s Futsal Couch Hector Souto Vows to Face Iran Without Fear

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national futsal team’s head coach Hector Souto declared that his side will face defending champions Iran without fear in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 final scheduled for Saturday at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta. 

His statement came after Indonesia made history by reaching the championship match for the first time, following a dramatic 5-3 extra-time victory over Japan in Jakarta on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Speaking after the semifinal at Indonesia Arena, Souto dismissed suggestions that Iran, Asia’s most successful futsal nation, were already destined to retain the title. Indonesia will meet Iran in the final on Saturday, February 7, at 7 p.m. local time.

“If you think the trophy already belongs to Iran, feel free to celebrate with them. For me, the trophy is still there to be fought for,” Souto said in response to a question from a foreign journalist, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia reached their maiden final after overcoming Japan in a tense semifinal that went into extra time. The hosts surged into a two-goal lead through Samuel Eko in the 12th minute and an own goal by Takehiro Motoishi in the 23rd. Japan struck back quickly, leveling the score within five minutes through Motoishi and captain Kazuya Shimizu.

Firman Ardiansyah restored Indonesia’s lead late in the second half, but Shimizu converted a last-minute penalty to force extra time. Indonesia then sealed victory with goals from Reza Gunawan in the 45th minute and Dewa Rizki Amanda in the 48th, ending Japan’s bid for a fifth Asian title.

Souto admitted the match unfolded much as he had anticipated. “This was an extremely difficult game, exactly as I expected. We played very well in the first half, but in the second half we became too direct and lost control. Against teams like Japan or Iran, a 2-0 lead is never enough,” he said.

The Spanish coach revealed he was overcome with emotion after the final whistle, dedicating the win to his partner and newborn child back in Spain. “Being far from family is very hard. That’s why I cried,” he added.

Despite the historic achievement, Souto rejected the label of “history maker,” insisting the success belonged to the entire team, including players not selected or sidelined by injury. “I didn’t make history. My team did. This is collective work. Not about one person,” he said.

Indonesia now face Iran, the tournament’s most dominant force, who advanced to the final after defeating Iraq 4-2. Iran have won 13 of the 15 finals they have contested and currently rank fifth in the FIFA futsal world standings.

Acknowledging Iran’s pedigree, Souto stressed that Indonesia would still play to their strengths. “Iran have great players and strong physicality, but we will play our cards. If they win, we congratulate them. If we win, we will show that Indonesia are also a strong team,” he explained.

In preparation for the final, Souto emphasized recovery over heavy training. Indonesia will hold one light tactical session on Friday, focusing on rest, nutrition, and sleep. “Without proper recovery, it’s impossible. Eat, sleep, recover, repeat,” he said.

The final between Indonesia and Iran will take place at Indonesia Arena on Saturday evening, February 7, marking Indonesia’s first-ever appearance in an AFC Futsal Asian Cup final. ***