Indonesia Eyes Regeneration as Revamped Futsal Squad Hits ASEAN Championship 2026
The Indonesian national futsal team is entering the 2026 ASEAN Futsal Championship (Piala AFF) with a bold new strategy, prioritizing long-term growth and squad regeneration over immediate silverware. Head coach Hector Souto has overhauled the roster for the tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, viewing the event as a critical investment to build a foundation for the 2028 and 2032 World Cups.
Speaking from Nonthaburi on Sunday, April 5, 2026, Souto emphasized that the primary goal is to expand the national team’s talent pool to 30 or 40 players who are ready for international competition at any moment. By integrating talents from the Professional Futsal League (PFL), the coaching staff aims to ensure a steady pipeline of high-quality players.
“We just want to try to be competitive. Our main target is to develop the national team so that we have more players ready to play whenever we need them,” Souto told reporters during a press conference.
The Spanish tactician has implemented a significant shift in personnel compared to the squad used during the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup. Whereas young players Yogi Saputra and Dewa Rizki have retained their spots, Souto has introduced several new faces to the mix, including 19-year-old prospect M Farhan. The squad also welcomes back players such as Guntur Sulistyo and Muhammad Albagir, the latter of whom has focused on selection and motivation ahead of the tournament.
Indonesia is placed in Group B, where they will face off against Australia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Cambodia. Their campaign kicks off on Monday, April 6, 2026, in a clash against Brunei. While the overarching mission is evolution, Souto has set a realistic competitive benchmark for the group stage.
“Regarding this tournament, we will take it match by match. Hopefully, we can reach the semifinals; that is our target result for the group stage, and after that, we will spot what happens,” Souto added.
The road to the opening match has not been without challenges. The team arrived in Thailand on Saturday, April 4, 2026, leaving them with only two days to adapt to the local environment. This tight window follows a brief week-long training camp in Jakarta at the Tifosi Sport Center, which took place after the conclusion of the Professional Futsal League and the month of Ramadan.
Despite the limited preparation and the pressure of introducing a new-look squad, Souto remains focused on the experience gained in high-pressure environments. He noted that proving themselves in a real competition is far more valuable than friendly matches, as the team continues its evolutionary phase toward becoming a global contender.
