Indonesia Eyes 2028 Futsal World Cup After Record Crowds

Indonesia just proved it can throw a world-class sports party, and now it's ready for an even bigger stage.

After hosting the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Jakarta from January 27 to February 7, Indonesia earned glowing reviews from the Asian Football Confederation. The tournament drew record-breaking crowds and created an electric atmosphere that officials called the best they'd ever witnessed.

"They said it was the best final that they have ever seen, not just in terms of the competition itself, but from the very start of the tournament," said Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir. The AFC especially praised the massive crowds that packed stadiums throughout the event.

The tournament became even more special for Indonesian fans when their national team reached the final against Iran. Though Indonesia ultimately lost 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 5-5 tie through extra time, the runner-up finish marked the country's best performance in tournament history.

That combination of exceptional hosting and home team success has sparked ambitious new plans. The Indonesian government now wants to submit a bid to host the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup, leveraging the momentum and infrastructure from their recent triumph.

The path forward does present challenges. If Indonesia wins the bid, Asia would host the Futsal World Cup twice in a row, which requires FIFA approval and further discussion. But Thohir sees the positive assessment as a strong foundation to build upon.

The Ripple Effect

Indonesia's futsal success story extends beyond one tournament. The massive crowds demonstrated the country's passion for the sport and its ability to organize major international events. That enthusiasm created an unforgettable atmosphere for players and fans from across Asia, showcasing Indonesian hospitality on a global stage.

The economic and cultural benefits of hosting such events also ripple through local communities, from tourism to infrastructure improvements to inspiring the next generation of athletes. When a nation of 270 million people rallies behind their team and welcomes the world, it creates memories and connections that last far beyond the final whistle.

Indonesia proved it belongs on the world sports stage, and 2028 could be just the beginning.