Coach Souto Turns to Fresh Faces as Indonesia Eyes Long-Term Futsal Goals

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national futsal team will look markedly different at the upcoming ASEAN Futsal Championship 2026, with head coach Hector Souto opting to bring in a new mix of players rather than relying on the familiar core that recently reached the AFC Futsal Asian Cup final.

From the 25-man long list announced, only Dewa Rizki and Yogi Saputra remain from the squad that competed at the continental level earlier this year. Souto explained that the decision was deliberate, aimed at sharpening competition within the senior team and giving opportunities to players who were not part of the Asian Cup campaign.

“Over the past year and a half, this team has enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history -- winning the AFF Championship in 2024, taking SEA Games gold in 2025, and finishing runner-up at the AFC Championship in 2026,” Souto stated on his official Instagram account, as quoted by Antara.

“We are the best national team this country has ever had. Now, our focus is on developing senior players, enhancing their competitiveness, and preparing them to face opponents from South America, Europe, and Asia," he added.

This approach is not unprecedented. Last year, Indonesia fielded a second-string squad at the China Invitational Tournament, where under coach Amril Daulay they stunned Denmark 4–2 in the final to claim the title. Souto believes such exposure builds technical ability and mental resilience, crucial for the team’s ultimate ambition: qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028.

The Spanish coach emphasized that the program follows a progressive planning model, divided into cycles and phases, each with specific objectives. The ASEAN Championship -- formerly known as the AFF Futsal Cup -- will serve as a proving ground for emerging talent.

Training camp for the 25 selected players is scheduled to begin after Ramadan. Souto underlined that this is the moment for newcomers to showcase their potential and earn integration into the senior setup. “This is the time to give new players the chance to show their best and strengthen our competitive identity,” he concluded. ***