Afghanistan Finish Runners-Up After 6–0 Defeat to Brazil in Futsal Nations Cup Final

Afghanistan's national futsal team finished runners-up at the Futsal Nations Cup 2026 after suffering a 6–0 defeat to hosts Brazil in Sunday's final.

The championship match took place at the Max Rosenmann Arena in São José dos Pinhais, in Brazil's Paraná state, on October 18.

Afghanistan entered the final following an unbeaten run through the group stage and semi-finals, but could not overcome Brazil in the tournament's decisive match.

The result ended Afghanistan's attempt to win the six-nation competition, although reaching the final represented a significant international result for the national futsal team.

Afghanistan's Route to the Final

Afghanistan began the tournament in Group B alongside Japan and Peru.

The team opened with a goalless draw against Japan before defeating Peru 3–0, finishing top of its group and advancing to the semi-finals.

Afghanistan then defeated Cape Verde 4–2 to reach the final.

Hamid Reza Hussaini scored twice in the semi-final, while Seyed Hussain Mousavi and Omid Qanbari contributed one goal each.

The victory secured Afghanistan a place in the championship match against the host nation.

Brazil Prove Too Strong

Brazil entered the final after topping Group A and defeating Japan 3–0 in the semi-finals.

The hosts had previously beaten Cape Verde 4–2 and Indonesia 3–0 during the group stage.

Afghanistan's defensive record had been strong before the final, with no goals conceded in its first two matches.

However, Brazil's six-goal victory brought that run to an emphatic end.

The final result left Afghanistan in second place among the six participating national teams.

A Final Appearance to Build On

The tournament featured Afghanistan, Brazil, Japan, Peru, Cape Verde and Indonesia.

For Afghanistan, reaching the final against Brazil offered an opportunity to measure its progress against one of international futsal's most established national teams.

The 6–0 defeat exposed the gap between the two sides in the championship match, but did not erase Afghanistan's earlier results against Japan, Peru and Cape Verde.

Afghanistan completed the competition with two victories, one draw and one defeat, finishing as runners-up.