2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup: Group Stage Review

Surprise challengers, shock exits, and history made. Asia’s premier women’s futsal competition sets the stage for a blockbuster knockout phase

HOHHOT, CHINA: The AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 has burst into life with a tournament brimming with surprises, defining moments, and landmark achievements. From the tournament opener on May 6 to the last group matchday on May 11, this year’s edition has provided compelling narratives that now shape a quarter-final line-up rich with tension and possibility.

(Main picture: The Philippines fought back against a resurgent Uzbekistan to take home a share of the spoils after a 3-3 stalemate in their AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup

While defending champions Iran and consistent contenders like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam entered as the favourites, the spotlight has widened. China PR, despite not being pre-tournament favourites based on past performance, have captured local support through a flawless group stage campaign on home soil. Meanwhile, Hong Kong made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, and debutants Indonesia secured progression as one of the two best third-placed teams.

In stark contrast, World Cup hosts the Philippines crashed out at the first hurdle. The squad comprised largely of players drawn from the national football team lost all three group games and exited without a point. Their elimination, despite the looming global tournament on home soil, has raised questions within sports circles about the country’s approach to futsal development.

Group A: China Shine at Home, Taipei Advance

Group A unfolded under the lights of the Hohhot Sports Centre with the hosts making a strong opening statement. China PR opened their account with a 3–1 victory over Australia, setting a confident tone that carried through the group. They went on to defeat Uzbekistan 3–1 and Chinese Taipei 3–5 to finish with a perfect nine points.

Their compact defensive structure and pressing game have been hallmarks of their transformation under coach Hu Jie, who credited his side’s “discipline and energy” for their group-stage dominance. (the-afc.com)

Chinese Taipei also impressed, earning victories over Australia and Uzbekistan to secure second place with six points. Uzbekistan managed one win over Australia (3–1), while the Matildas ended bottom of the group, failing to pick up a single point.

Group A Final Standings:

• China PR – 9 pts (Q)
• Chinese Taipei – 6 pts (Q)
• Uzbekistan – 3 pts
• Australia – 0 pts

Group B: Vietnam and Iran Lead, Hong Kong Make History

Group B provided the most drama—and perhaps the most emotional storyline of the tournament so far. Vietnam and Iran emerged as the top two sides, but it was Hong Kong’s miraculous final-day comeback that made headlines.

Vietnam opened with a 5–3 win over Hong Kong and went on to defeat the Philippines 3–0, before grinding out a 0–0 draw with Iran in a tense finale. Iran, meanwhile, beat the Philippines and Hong Kong and showed why they remain one of Asia’s top futsal sides despite not finishing top.

But it was Hong Kong’s final game against the Philippines that lit up the group. Trailing 1–3 in the first half, So Hoi Lam led a stunning fightback, scoring in a 7–3 rout that secured their first-ever quarter-final place as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Ho Wing Sze called it “a landmark moment” for women’s futsal in Hong Kong. (the-afc.com)

The Philippines, competing under the new moniker “Filipina5,” were expected to be competitive as World Cup hosts. But with a squad mostly composed of football players—including national team regulars like Isabella Flanigan and Alisha Del Campo—the team lacked futsal sharpness and exited with three defeats and 13 goals conceded.

Coach Rafa Merino was candid post-tournament: “We are not yet ready… we must invest and grow the game if we want to compete at this level.” (tiebreakertimes.com.ph, May 11)

Group B Final Standings:

• Vietnam – 7 pts (Q)
• Iran – 7 pts (Q)
• Hong Kong, China – 3 pts (Q as best 3rd)
• Philippines – 0 pts

Group C: Thailand Impress, Indonesia Edge Through

Thailand have arguably been the most balanced team of the group stage. After opening with a 4–0 win over Bahrain, they drew 0–0 with a stubborn Indonesia, then delivered a statement 3–1 win over Japan, a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament.

Japan finished second, having already beaten Indonesia 5–2 and Bahrain 3–2. But their loss to Thailand means a much tougher quarter-final path awaits.

Indonesia, one of the tournament’s newest participants, showed grit to hold Thailand and then swept Bahrain 5–1 in their final game. That win earned them a spot in the quarter-finals as the second-best third-placed team, a massive achievement for a squad still finding its international identity.

Captain Novita Murni Piranti, at 35, praised her teammates: “We showed belief and courage. For Indonesian futsal, this is just the beginning.” (the-afc.com, May 11)

Group C Final Standings:

• Thailand – 7 pts (Q)
• Japan – 6 pts (Q)
• Indonesia – 4 pts (Q as best 3rd)
• Bahrain – 0 pts

Quarter-Final Matchups and Expert Predictions

The quarter-finals are set as follows:

• China PR vs. Indonesia
• Vietnam vs. Japan
• Thailand vs. Hong Kong
• Chinese Taipei vs. Iran

Expert Commentary:

• China PR vs. Indonesia: Analysts predict that China’s disciplined play and home advantage make them favourites, but Indonesia’s spirited performances and attacking speed could pose challenges.
• Vietnam vs. Japan: This matchup is anticipated to be closely contested, with Vietnam’s unbeaten run giving them an edge in form. However, Japan’s experience in tight knockout games may prove crucial.
• Thailand vs. Hong Kong: Thailand are expected to maintain their momentum after beating Japan, but Hong Kong’s emotional and tactical high from their dramatic win could inspire another surprise.
• Chinese Taipei vs. Iran: Iran’s reputation and history make them the clear favourites, yet Taipei’s clean buildup and compact shape could lead to a closer contest than anticipated.

Key Reactions & Takeaways

• China PR’s rise on home soil has become a leading story. Not considered a pre-tournament favourite, their unbeaten record and clean sheets have turned heads, with coach Hu Jie pointing to his players’ “focus and collective discipline.” (the-afc.com)
• Thailand’s win over Japan has elevated their status to serious contenders. Coach Thanatorn Santanaprasit said on May 11: “I am proud of the heart and clarity this team showed—we knew we had to beat a powerhouse, and we did.”
• Hong Kong’s journey from a 5–3 opening defeat to a 7–3 comeback win over the Philippines is arguably the most uplifting arc of the tournament. Their emotional celebrations on court reflect years of effort paying off.
• Iran’s second-place finish may seem unexpected, but the reigning champions have not conceded a single open play goal and remain a formidable, experienced side heading into the knockouts.

• The Philippines’ elimination, despite hosting the upcoming World Cup, has reignited discussions about the nation’s approach to futsal development. Branded the “Filipina5,” the squad was predominantly composed of football players from the 11-a-side national team—more so than any other side in the tournament. While countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong also featured footballers in their squads, the Philippines fielded a team largely unfamiliar with futsal’s distinct tactical and technical demands.

  This strategic shift followed the reassignment of Dutch coach Vic Hermans, a respected figure in international futsal. Hermans had been instrumental in building the Philippines’ futsal program from the grassroots level, launching the High5 Futsal League, and nurturing homegrown talent through structured development. Under his guidance, the team showed early promise, including competitive performances at the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship, where they drew with Myanmar (2–2), lost to Thailand (7–0), Vietnam (6–1), and narrowly to Indonesia (2–1).

  All three of those opponents—Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have since progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup. While the 2024 results under Hermans revealed gaps, they also reflected a team gaining valuable match experience against Asia’s elite. In contrast, the 2025 squad, assembled with limited futsal preparation, lost 1–0 to Iran, 3–0 to Vietnam, and 7–3 to Hong Kong, a result against a similarly ranked opponent that raises particular concern.

  It is fair to ask whether Hermans’ futsal-trained team, with more time and continuity, might have delivered a more competitive showing especially given their familiarity with many of these opponents. The decision to pivot toward a football-based squad, while perhaps aimed at short-term gains, appears in hindsight to have underestimated the demands of elite-level futsal.

  Coach Rafa Merino’s post-tournament remark “We’re not ready… this is a learning process” (May 11, tiebreakertimes.com.ph) carried heavy irony for many observers, considering that futsal-specific development had already been underway before it was quietly abandoned. Hermans’ departure marked a shift in direction that, to some, reflects a lack of long-term futsal vision. The result: three defeats, 13 goals conceded, and a host nation left without a knockout appearance or a clear developmental roadmap.

Additional Reactions and Perspectives

Australia’s Disappointing Campaign

Australia’s women’s futsal team faced a challenging tournament, finishing at the bottom of Group A without securing a single point. The team’s performance has sparked discussions within the Australian futsal community about the need for increased investment and development in the women’s game.

Vietnam’s Rising Confidence

Vietnam’s impressive group stage performance, culminating in topping Group B, has been met with enthusiasm from fans and media alike. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) praised the team’s achievements, emphasizing their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Iranian Media’s Perspective

Iran’s second-place finish in Group B, following a goalless draw with Vietnam, ended their 12-match winning streak in the tournament. Iranian media praised the team’s defensive record but called for sharper finishing and more urgency in the final third.

Japan’s Setback Sparks Media Reflection

Japan’s 3–1 defeat to Thailand in their final Group C match has prompted reflection in Japanese media. Despite arriving with momentum from a 6–1 win over Thailand in a pre-tournament invitational (where they also shut out Iran and Uzbekistan), the loss has been called a “wake-up call.” Analysts in Japanese sports press emphasized the need for strategic reassessment and highlighted issues with defensive cohesion.

Looking Ahead

The quarter-finals kick off on May 12, with four matches that may reshape the power dynamics of women’s futsal in Asia.

China PR, backed by home support and growing confidence under coach Hu Jie will look to impose their pressing game on a fearless Indonesian side led by veteran Novita Piranti. Vietnam, still unbeaten, face their biggest test yet against a wounded but battle-tested Japan, whose tactical experience could neutralise Vietnam’s transitional speed.

Thailand, fresh off their breakthrough win over Japan, now enter as front-runners against Hong Kong, whose emotional surge and tactical discipline have captured hearts across the region. And in the most balanced tie, Chinese Taipei face Iran, the reigning champions who remain defensively perfect but still haven’t hit full attacking stride.

Beyond the matchups, this knockout phase represents more than just medals, it’s a test of maturity for developing nations, a reality check for former powerhouses, and a preview of what Asia might bring to the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

The group stage reminded us that history doesn’t always repeat, it gets rewritten. And in this tournament, it already has.

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