The Bangladesh-India fixture also offers an interesting subplot, with both teams being coached by Iranians.

Former Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun feels it is like breathing fresh air to be wearing the red and green jersey again following a long silence.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Saturday announced an 18-member preliminary futsal squad for the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, including former national women’s team captain Sabina Khatun and national discards Masura Parvin, Krishna Rani Sarkar and Sumaya Matsushima.

Brazil beat Portugal to conquer the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025, while Spain downed Argentina to finish third.

The South Asian Football Federation (Saff) is set to host its first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship for both men and women from January 13–26, 2026, in Thailand, said a press release from the regional football body on Sunday.

Bangladesh were handed a 12-0 drubbing against defending champions Iran in their opening match of their maiden campaign in the AFC Futsal Cup -- which is also their first official match in futsal ever -- in Kuantan, Malaysia, on Saturday.

Bangladesh are set to play their first official futsal match when they square off against 13-time champions Iran in a Group G encounter of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuantan, Malaysia, today.

IUB alumni Intishar and Peash selected for Bangladesh’s 14-member futsal squad at AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, with Intishar as Vice-Captain.

Bangladesh futsal team’s newly appointed Iranian coach, Saeid Khodarahmi, said that futsal was “born today in the country” as he addressed the media for the first time on Sunday, expressing hope to develop the sport in the coming days.

The three-day 7-a-side futsal event will feature 24 universities from across the country.

Qualifiers run from September 20–24, with the main event set for January 27 to February 7 in Indonesia next year.