May 19 – Japan claimed their first AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup title after a tense penalty shootout win over Thailand in Saturday’s final in Hohhot, China. The tournament serves as Asia’s qualifier for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Having finished as runners-up in both previous editions in 2015 and 2018, Japan finally lifted the trophy after a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory. The final had finished 2-2 after extra time, with both sides trading goals and leads throughout. Thailand, who had never previously reached the final, came close to completing a comeback win before Japan equalised again to force penalties.
With their win, Japan became the first nation to win every AFC Asian Cup title available across both men’s and women’s categories at all levels – senior and youth. Both Japan and Thailand, along with third-placed Iran and host nation the Philippines, will now represent Asia at the first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in 2025, set to take place from November 21 to December 7.
The tournament in Hohhot also marked a significant milestone for the AFC, as it featured the first qualifying campaign ever held for the women’s futsal competition. The expansion of the qualifying process reflects the AFC’s broader efforts to grow the women’s game across the region.
Hosting duties were shared by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) and local organisers in Hohhot. The CFA will continue its role in developing the women’s game by hosting the closing rounds of the first AFC Women’s Champions League next week in Wuhan.
With the Philippines now preparing to host the World Cup later this year, the focus will shift to Asia’s ability to translate its regional dominance into global competitiveness.
AFC President Shaikh Salman said: “I am heartened by the incredible progress of women’s futsal in Asia in recent years and this has been underlined by the first-ever qualifying campaign to be organised in the lead-up to the 2025 Finals, so on behalf of the AFC, I would like to put on record my sincere appreciation to all our Participating Member Associations, both in the Qualifiers and Finals.
“When we started this journey in 2015, few Member Associations had a women’s futsal squad and now we are seeing the powerful impact of top-level competitions, as underlined in the AFC’s Vision and Mission, to fuel the development of the game, which remains at the forefront of the AFC’s efforts…
“Now, as we shift our attention to the Philippines, we wish the Philippine Football Federation, and our four Asian teams the very best of success at the milestone global showpiece later this year.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1747682262labto1747682262ofdlr1747682262owedi1747682262sni@g1747682262niwe.1747682262yrrah1747682262
