The 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Indonesia will be a serious test for the Tajikistan national team. An "Asia-Plus" expert has broken down all of the Tajik team's opponents and assessed the chances of Pairav Vakhidov's squad in the tournament.
The draw placed our team in one of the most difficult groups of the tournament — Japan, Uzbekistan, and Australia. The opponents have different playing profiles, but they are united by a high level of discipline, organization, and international experience.
Firuz Yusufzoda, a former national team player, current manager of the capital's FC "Istiklol," and Tajik futsal expert, spoke with "Asia-Plus" about the Tajik team's opponents at the 2026 Asian Cup.
According to him, there are no "walkover" matches at this level. Any mistake could be decisive: a wrong decision, a loss of concentration, or a failure in the game structure can change the course of a meeting. In Group C, a key role will be played not only by the strength of the opponents but also by the current state of the Tajikistan national team itself — in terms of personnel, tactics, and psychology.
Japan — group favorite and a team that knows how to wait
"The Japan national team is one of the flagships of Asian futsal, a four-time champion of the continent. This is a team that wins through structure, discipline, and composure, rather than emotions.
The head-to-head match against Japan in the Asian Cup qualifying tournament in Dushanbe was indicative: the Tajikistan national team took the lead, the team acted boldly, with good pace and correct aggression, while the Japanese did not force the game and did not succumb to chaos," says the Tajik expert.
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ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЕ Tajikistan National Team
He added that through ball control, strict organization, and clinical finishing, the "Samurai" gradually turned the tide of the match.
"At the same time, the Tajikistan national team already knows how to play against Japan: at the last Asian Cup, the match ended in a 1:1 draw, and it was the Tajik team that sent the 'Samurai' home back then," Yusufzoda reminded.
Uzbekistan — a principled rival
"The Uzbekistan national team are our neighbors and friends, with whom we meet regularly. These matches always contribute to the growth of both teams. As a rule, the difference is decided by one or two goals, more often in favor of the Uzbeks.
Currently, Uzbekistan is in excellent condition: the national championship is in full swing and very competitive, the clubs are well-equipped, and the new futsal leadership is actively investing in development," the expert noted.
According to him, the Uzbeks regularly play against the strongest national teams in the world — Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Paraguay. Before the New Year, the Uzbeks played two matches against the Russian national team: a 3:2 victory and a 1:3 defeat.
ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЕ Tajikistan National Team
"The team is physically powerful, athletic, and motivated, and is going to the tournament with the intention of springing a surprise," our interlocutor believes.
Tajikistan: personnel factor and the role of the Head coach
Tajikistan will play the 2026 Asian Cup without Fayzali Sardorov — the long-time leader of the team and one of the best players in Asia in recent years — due to injury. His absence is a serious loss, but also a test of maturity for the entire team.
"Head coach Pairav Vakhidov has proven more than once that he is capable of achieving goals with any roster. His teams have been distinguished by organization, discipline, and the ability to adapt to difficult conditions. The roster chosen at the moment is the strongest possible, and it includes all players who are truly capable of helping the result.
There are grounds to hope that even in such a difficult group, the coaching staff will manage to pull off a surprise, despite the absence of the injured Fayzali Sardorov," said Yusufzoda.
Pairav Vakhidov continues to strengthen not only the team but also the national team's coaching staff. Murodullo Alikulov — ex-goalkeeper of the national team, participant in Asian Cups and Champions League matches, and one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the history of the national team — has joined the team.
"Since last year, Alikulov has headed CSKA, where the team demonstrates solid and organized futsal. Under the mentorship of Pairav Vakhidov, he has all the prerequisites to grow into a strong specialist, possessing vast playing experience and an understanding of futsal at the highest level.
The staff also includes Akbar Ortykov, an ex-player of 'Soro Company,' who, after a serious injury, has been successfully working for several years as an assistant coach in the club and the national team. Thus, already today, Tajik futsal has two promising coaches for the future," Yusufzoda said.
The goalkeeping line — the key pillar of the team
The goalkeeper position in the Tajikistan national team inspires particular confidence.
Firuz Bekmurodov is the long-time main goalkeeper of the national team and a permanent guardian of the gates, well known to all the country's fans. His experience and stability remain the most important factor in the team's reliability.
"He is challenged by Nuriddin Dzhaborov, who proved his high class in the Super League final — largely thanks to his reliability, 'Soro Company' became national champions. As the saying goes, the goalkeeper is half the team, and having two strong goalkeepers at once instills confidence: Tajikistan has two walls at the back," the expert added.
According to him, Bahodur Khojaev, who plays in the Uzbekistan championship, has been called up to the national team again. He missed the Asian Cup qualifying matches in Dushanbe, and it was perhaps he who was missed in the game against Japan when Tajikistan was leading. Back then, the roster was short due to injuries, and Khojaev's return will expand the depth and versatility of the team.
Tajikistan's chances
"The Tajikistan national team approaches the 2026 Asian Cup not only with serious challenges but also with real arguments: an experienced head coach, a reinforced and promising staff, a strong goalkeeping line, and a balanced roster. If all this works as a single mechanism and nothing fails, then the Tajikistan national team should advance from the group to the playoffs.
The opponents are worthy, but not insurmountable. The chances are very high. It only remains for us to wish the team health, confidence, and luck. It has everything else," the expert concluded.
ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЕ
Firuz Yusufzoda — one of the most experienced and versatile specialists in Tajik futsal, combining management, coaching, and organizational work. Manager of the "Istiklol" futsal club, previously worked with the national and youth futsal teams of Tajikistan, participant in the final stages of Asian championships and international tournaments under the auspices of the AFC.
Holder of AFC licenses and certificates (Futsal Level 1, Coach "C", Goalkeeper Coach), as well as FIFA courses on the management and development of grassroots football. At various times, he worked in the Tajikistan Football Federation and the Dushanbe Football Federation, being responsible for conducting championships, strategic planning, and the development of youth football. As a player and coach, he is a multiple-time champion and prize-winner of the Tajikistan Futsal Championship and a participant in the AFC Futsal Club Championship. A specialist directly involved in the development of national teams, personnel training, and the systemic management of futsal in the country.
