Bangladesh has announced a preliminary 20-man squad for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, marking a historic step in the country’s sporting journey. For the first time in history, a Bangladesh national futsal team has been officially assembled to compete on the continental stage.
The qualifiers will be held in Malaysia from 20 to 24 September, where Bangladesh will make its debut in Group G. The group promises to be one of the most challenging, with futsal heavyweights Iran, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Malaysia standing in the way. Only the top team from each of the eight groups, along with the seven best runners-up, will advance to the final round in Indonesia in 2026.
The Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed that head coach Saeid Khodarahmi, an experienced Iranian futsal tactician, has reduced his initial 24-man training squad to a final list of 20 players:
Goalkeepers:
1. Md Naim Reza
2. Jahid Hasan Rabbi
3. Naim Parvez
4. Tannuv Mehatab
Outfield Players:
5. Md Rahbar Khan Sharan
6. Md Mahmudul Hasan Kiron
7. Prenchong Mro
8. Kazi Ibrahim Ahamed Mridul
9. Md Tuhin
10. Touhidul Islam
11. Samsuddin Khan Limon
12. Intishar Mostafa Chowdhury
13. Fayed Azim Ifty
14. Md Abir Hossain
15. Foayej Ahmed Peash
16. Md Moin Ahmed
17. Srabon Mehedi Shakil
18. Razan Sarker
19. Tajware Bin Kashem Nitol
20. Sk Ashif Imran
The squad reflects the outcome of weeks of training and evaluation. Several players from the original 24-man list have missed out as the coaching staff finalised a balanced squad with a mix of defensive stability, creativity in midfield and sharpness in attack.
Khodarahmi was appointed on a short-term three-month contract earlier this year to oversee the formation of Bangladesh’s first futsal team. He has brought with him years of experience in coaching and player development. His immediate task is to mould this squad into a competitive unit in time for the qualifiers.
“This is a new beginning for Bangladesh. We are starting from the basics, but the players have shown strong commitment and passion. It will be a tough challenge against some of Asia’s best futsal nations, yet the goal is to build a solid foundation and represent Bangladesh with pride.” Khodarahmi said during training.
The team’s preparations began with a provisional 53-man group that underwent intensive sessions under Khodarahmi’s guidance. Training focused on tactical discipline, technical improvement and adapting to the faster pace of futsal compared to conventional football. After assessing performance in camp, the coaching staff trimmed the squad to the current 20.
Bangladesh’s entry into the AFC competition is being seen as a breakthrough moment. Never before has the country fielded a national futsal team in any international competition. The qualifiers therefore represent both an opportunity and a test.
Iran, the group’s strongest side, are Asian futsal powerhouses with a record of dominating the continental scene. Malaysia, as hosts, will enjoy home support and have a solid futsal tradition, while the UAE add another layer of difficulty. For Bangladesh, the tournament is less about immediate results and more about making a mark and gaining invaluable experience.