Bangladesh are stepping onto uncharted territory as they prepare to make their debut in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will be held in Kuantan, Malaysia from 20 to 24 September 2025. For the players, the coaches, and the fans back home, the road to Indonesia 2026 may be daunting, but it carries a sense of hope that has not been felt before in the country’s futsal history.
Drawn in Group G, Bangladesh face a formidable challenge against three heavyweights: Iran, the United Arab Emirates and hosts Malaysia. Only the top team from each of the eight groups, along with the seven best runners-up, will advance to the final round. For debutants Bangladesh, the odds are steep, but there is a collective belief within the camp that this is the start of a much larger story.
On 10 September 2025, the Bangladesh Football Federation officially announced the final 14-man squad for the qualifiers. The team includes:
Md Rahbar Wahed Khan (Captain)
Intishar Mostafa Chowdhury (Vice-Captain)
Fayed Azim
Srabon Mehedi Shakil
Md Mahmudul Hasan Kiron
Md Tuhin
Prenchong Mro
Foayej Ahmed
Kazi Ibrahim Ahamed
Tajware Bin Kashem
Md Samsuddin Khan
Md Moin Ahmed
Md Jahid Hasan Rabbi (Goalkeeper)
Md Jannatul Naym Parvege (Goalkeeper)
The squad completed its third training session on 10 September 2025 at the Malaysia Football Association’s Futsal Arena. The session was designed to strengthen tactical organisation, set plays and technical sharpness under the guidance of head coach Saeid Khodarahmi. The environment was positive, with players responding well to the intensity of preparations.
Coach Khodarahmi expressed his confidence in the team’s development while acknowledging the scale of the task ahead. “My players try, my assistants try, my staff try, and Insha’Allah we will give 100% for Bangladesh and this flag,” he said. He also highlighted the need for more futsal infrastructure in Bangladesh, stressing that many of his players were experiencing a professional futsal arena for the first time in Malaysia.
The leadership group of captain Rahbar Wahed Khan and vice-captain Intishar Mostafa Chowdhury will be central in holding the squad together, while exciting names such as Prenchong Mro and Foayej Ahmed will look to make their mark. Between the posts, Jahid Hasan Rabbi and Jannatul Naym Parvege will be tasked with standing tall against some of Asia’s sharpest attacking talents.
While qualification may remain a distant dream against such established opponents, Bangladesh’s debut is a step forward for the sport’s growth in the country. The team knows they are underdogs, but the tournament offers valuable lessons and opportunities to prove that they belong on the Asian stage.
