Coach Hector Soto has announced the Indonesian futsal team roster, featuring 19 players in preparation for the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship, which will take place in Thailand from April 5 to 13. Soto emphasized the importance of giving players the opportunity to showcase their skills before the competition, noting that he prefers to work with a larger number of players.
During a media briefing after the team's training session in Jakarta, Soto explained that he prefers to maintain a larger squad, stating: "No, we still have 19 players. I like to keep a larger number of players because I work with them about once every two months. Therefore, I want to give everyone the opportunity until the last moment."
Event Details
Indonesia is preparing to defend its title in the championship after winning the previous edition in 2024, where they overcame Vietnam in the final match. Soto, the Spanish coach, indicated that the team will begin its campaign in the tournament against Brunei Darussalam, followed by matches against Malaysia and Australia.
Soto added that he aims to deliver the best possible performance despite the limited preparation time, saying: "Of course, with about six hours of training, we can only present concepts to the players and explain the situations we want them to understand and apply in the matches."
Background & Context
The Asian Futsal Championship is an important event in the Asian sports calendar, bringing together the best teams from various countries. Indonesia, which has had previous successes in this championship, is striving to confirm its status as a powerhouse in futsal. Historically, Indonesia has managed to win the championship twice, reflecting the development of the sport in the country.
This event comes at a time when Indonesian futsal is experiencing notable growth, with increased investment in player development and infrastructure. Soto, who has been leading the team for some time, is working to expand the talent pool in the country.
Impact & Consequences
Indonesia's participation in the championship represents an opportunity to enhance its standing in Asian futsal, as the results could influence the development of the sport in the country. Success in the championship could lead to increased financial support and interest from fans, contributing to the growth of the sport at the local level.
Moreover, good performance in the championship could open doors for players to move to larger leagues, helping to develop their skills and increase their experience. Soto emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation among players to achieve success.
Regional Significance
Futsal is also gaining popularity in the Arab world, with many Arab countries beginning to invest in the development of this sport. Indonesia's experience could serve as an inspiration for Arab nations seeking to develop futsal, as they can benefit from the training and development strategies employed by Coach Soto.
In conclusion, this event represents an opportunity for Indonesia to prove its strength in Asian futsal, and it also reflects the importance of developing the sport in the region as a whole.