According to the list released on the AFC’s official website, Group B, which includes the Vietnam futsal team, is considered one of the most unpredictable groups, with intense competition expected from the group stage. Among the players capable of making a difference, AFC views Nguyen Thinh Phat as a key hope for the Vietnam futsal team.

AFC noted that Vietnam are placing strong expectations on Thinh Phat in their bid to reach the semifinals of the tournament for the first time, after being eliminated at the quarterfinal stage in the last three editions. The forward scored five goals in the qualifiers, underlining his central role in the national team.

According to AFC’s assessment, Thinh Phat’s intelligent movement, varied finishing and composure in competition will be important factors in Vietnam’s campaign under head coach Diego Giustozzi at this year’s tournament.

Born in 1997, Nguyen Thinh Phat emerged from grassroots futsal and has established himself as one of Vietnam’s leading futsal scorers in recent years. Winning the Vietnam Futsal Golden Ball 2024 is regarded as a notable milestone in his career.

At the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 finals, Vietnam have registered two pivots, Nguyen Thinh Phat and the 2005-born Nguyen Da Hai. With the squad undergoing a process of rejuvenation, Thinh Phat’s leadership role and international experience are seen as important assets for the team.

Also in Group B, AFC highlighted Muhammad Usman Musa of Thailand, who currently plays for Jimbee Cartagena in Spain and scored six goals in the qualifiers.

Kuwait are pinning their hopes on Saleh Al-Fadhel, while Lebanon will rely on goalkeeper Karim Joueidi, the 2024-2025 Lebanese futsal league champion with Central Jounieh.

Vietnam futsal team opens AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 campaign

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s national futsal team will begin their campaign at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 on January 27, marking the third continental finals in four years under head coach Diego Giustozzi.