RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is laying out an ambitious, multi-year plan to qualify for the 2028 Futsal World Cup, with next week’s ASEAN Futsal Championship in Thailand marking the first step in a broader development strategy.

Indonesian Futsal Association (FFI) Chairman Michael Victor Sianipar said the roadmap focuses on sustained progress rather than short-term results. “Every step, every progress, every struggle of the national team is for a bigger goal. And the next target we are aiming for is the World Cup,” he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia, the defending champion, will compete in Group A alongside Australia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. Head coach Hector Souto plans to field a second squad in the tournament, giving emerging players the chance to prove themselves at the international level.

Top performers are expected to be promoted to the main squad preparing for larger competitions, including the 2028 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, which serves as a qualification pathway to the World Cup.

To support this long-term vision, FFI has established a national team body led by Andri Paranoan as co-head, while also scheduling a series of international friendlies. Following the ASEAN tournament, the senior team is set to travel to Spain in August for a training camp and friendly matches against top-tier clubs, including Palma Futsal.

Indonesia is also confirmed to participate in an international tournament in Brazil in October, with a potential visit from Brazil’s national team to Indonesia early next year nearing confirmation. “Our hope in the next one to two years is to keep seeking opportunities to face top 10 futsal nations in the world, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and France, so we become more accustomed to high-level competition,” he added.

Beyond the senior team, FFI is strengthening its youth pipeline. The Indonesia U-17 team has received a special invitation to compete in an elite tournament in Spain this July, featuring powerhouse nations such as Brazil, Portugal, Spain, France, and Morocco, with Indonesia as the only Asian representative.

Michael emphasized that regeneration is key, with nationwide talent identification programs planned after the ASEAN tournament. FFI has also urged regional associations to strengthen youth competitions, culminating in the national U-20 FFI Cup scheduled for October. ***