The Iranian women’s national futsal team, champions of the last two editions of the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, is aiming to secure a historic third consecutive title in the upcoming tournament. Riding on the momentum of its golden generation, Iran enters the 2025 championship as a firm favorite.
Tournament Overview
The third edition of the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship is set to take place from May 6 to 17, 2025, in Hohhot, China. This premier continental competition will bring together Asia’s strongest women’s futsal teams, each vying not only for the trophy but also for a spot in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, hosted by the Philippines.
The tournament will begin with a group stage, where two teams from each group will directly advance to the knockout rounds. Additionally, the two best third-placed teams will also qualify for the quarter-finals. The top three finishers in the tournament will qualify for the World Cup, joining host nation Philippines.
Iran’s Group and Key Opponents
Iran has been drawn in a group with:
- Vietnam
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
Vietnam, who held Iran to level points in a recent friendly tournament in China, poses the most significant challenge in the group. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong and Philippine teams, though spirited, have not yet reached Iran’s level of competitiveness. The Philippines, however, may prove unpredictable due to their added motivation as World Cup hosts.
Championship Pedigree and Aspirations
Iran claimed the AFC title in 2015 and 2018, establishing itself as a powerhouse in Asian women’s futsal. Now, after a seven-year break, the national team is eager to lift the trophy for the third time. This ambition has brought renewed energy to both the players and coaching staff, all committed to cementing Iran’s dominance in the sport.
Squad and Key Players
Iran’s 14-player squad retains much of the core that secured their previous two championships. The team is coached by Forouzan Soleimani. Iran’s women’s futsal Team is ranked 9th in the FIFA Ranking. Key figures from the golden generation include:
- Farzaneh Tavassoli
- Tahereh Mehdipour
- Nasimeh Gholami (Captian)
- Sara Shirbeigi
- Fereshteh Karimi
These seasoned athletes bring not only skill but invaluable championship experience to the squad.
Emerging talents who have excelled in domestic leagues will also feature prominently:
- Mahdieh Mahmoudinia
- Fatemeh Rahmati
- Maral Torkman
- Fatemeh Hosseini
Together, this blend of experience and youth forms a balanced, formidable lineup ready to take on Asia’s best.
Outlook: A Defining Moment
This tournament represents a critical moment in the history of Iranian women’s futsal. A third title would solidify Iran’s status as the dominant force in Asia and secure its spot at the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. The stakes are high, and the road ahead is challenging, but Iran is determined to rise once again.
PLAYER TO WATCH
MARAL TORKMAN
Name: Maral Torkman
Date of Birth: 06th Dec 2002
Place of Birth: Karaj
Age: 22 years
Club Nasr Fardis
Height: 160 cm
Maral started her sporting activities at the age of 11, playing football in the neighborhood. She was influenced by her brothers, two of whom play professional football: Mehdi who plays for Mes Rafsanjan and Amir Hossein. Her father was also a former footballer.
At the age of 14 , Maral was selected for the Iran U15 team.In a strange twist, Maral at 17 decided to change her passion and head towards Futsal. She joined the local team Saipa team and quickly became a success story. She was soon selected for the National Iranian women’s futsal team.
Iran’s Group Stage Schedule – 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Championship
- Wednesday, May 07
🆚 Iran vs. Philippines – 06:30 (Tehran Time) - Friday, May 09
🆚 Hong Kong vs. Iran – 12:30 (Tehran Time) - Sunday, May 11
🆚 Iran vs. Vietnam – 12:30 (Tehran Time)