Shaikh Salman: Asia is ready to make global futsal history

With the Philippines set to stage their first-ever FIFA tournament, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has rallied the AFC’s representatives to showcase their undeniable talent whilst underlining his confidence in the Local Organising Committee to deliver an exceptional inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

Set to take place from November 21 to December 7, 2025, the showpiece will feature 16 of the world’s top women’s futsal national teams competing for ultimate glory. Leading the Continent’s march are AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 champions Japan, first-time finalists Thailand and third-placed finishers the Islamic Republic of Iran—all ranked in the top 10 globally—along with hosts, the Philippines, with all matches to be played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Metropolitan Manila.

Shaikh Salman said: “The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup represents a turning point for the sport across the globe and Asia is delighted to be entrusted with the honour of playing a pivotal role in this historic journey.

“On behalf of the Asian football family, I wish the Philippine Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, and FIFA the very best of success and we are confident that Asia is well poised and ready to make more global futsal history.

“I urge all our players and teams to take inspiration from their women’s football counterparts, who are already amongst the best in the world. I know many of our women futsal players have been waiting for this platform for a long time, so I have no doubts that they will seize their moment to make Asia proud.”

An electric atmosphere is expected to greet the Philippines on Friday at 8:30pm as they open their Group A campaign against Poland, who secured their place in the Finals in dramatic fashion with a last-gasp equaliser to hold Finland in the European qualifiers. Rafa Merino's side will then face Morocco, winners of the inaugural Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations in April this year, on November 24 with Copa América de Futsal Femenina runners-up Argentina set to test the host nation on November 27.

Inspired by their best ever runners-up finish at this year’s AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025, Thailand will lead the Continent's quest for glory the next day when they take on tournament favourites and three-time European champions Spain at 7:30pm. The Chaba-Kaew Toh Lek will then look to navigate past 2025 Concacaf W Futsal Championship winners Canada and fellow Group B rivals Colombia on November 25 and 28, respectively.

Meanwhile, Japan, whose maiden AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 triumph made them the first nation to win every AFC Asian Cup™ title across all levels, will commence their Group C campaign against OFC Futsal Women's Nations Cup 2024 champions New Zealand at 12pm on Sunday, November 23. Occupying third place on the FIFA rankings, Portugal will prove to be worthy adversaries for the Nadeshiko Five on November 26 before they battle Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations finalists Tanzania on November 29.

Finally, in Group D, two-time Asian champions IR Iran will be relishing the prospect of facing Brazil, who currently sit atop the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking, on Sunday, November 23, at 7:30pm. The Central Asians will then cast their sights on 2025 Concacaf W Futsal Championship finalists Panama three days later, before taking on an Italian side looking to extend an impressive 16-game unbeaten streak on November 29.