Indonesia causes a major upset in Asia by defeating Japan

(Football results) - Indonesia made a sensational impact at the 2026 Asian futsal championship by overcoming Japan 5-3 in extra time, earning their first-ever final berth to face Iran in the tournament's most awaited showdown.

The Indonesian futsal team caused the biggest upset at the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship by toppling the powerhouse Japan 5-3 after two thrilling extra periods, boldly advancing to the final where they will face Iran for the title.

The semifinal lived up to its high stakes. From the opening minutes, Japan pushed forward aggressively and applied heavy pressure, but Indonesia was the team that capitalized better. In the 12th minute, Samuel Eko swiftly finished from close range after a chaotic corner, putting Southeast Asia ahead 1-0. Before halftime, Japan relentlessly attacked Indonesia’s goal but was twice denied by the goalpost.

In the second half, Indonesia played with great confidence. In the 23rd minute, Ardiansyah Nur’s long shot forced Motoishi into an own goal, increasing the lead to 2-0. Japan fought back strongly, narrowing the gap in the 30th minute and equalizing at 2-2 through a skillful finish by captain Shimizu. The drama intensified when Ardiansyah scored again at the 39th minute to make it 3-2 for Indonesia, before Shimizu completed his brace from the penalty spot, sending the game into extra time.

During the first extra period, a defensive mistake by Japan allowed Reza Gunawan to score, making it 4-3. In the second extra period, Japan resorted to power play. However, this risky move backfired when Dewa Rizki Amanda scored precisely, sealing the 5-3 victory. In the final seconds, Japan earned a penalty but Shimizu's shot soared over the crossbar, ending their hopes.

This historic win marks Indonesia’s first appearance in the Asian futsal final, where they will face the continent’s powerhouse Iran in the most eagerly awaited match of the tournament.

End of second extra time: Indonesia 5-3 Japan

4' Penalty awarded to Japan

Indonesia’s goalkeeper committed a serious foul, resulting in a penalty for Japan, but captain Shimizu’s shot flew over the bar, ending Japan’s chances.

3' Indonesia scores their 5th goal

Japan continued with the power play strategy, but this risky decision cost them. Dewa Rizki Amanda exploited the defensive gap and delivered an accurate finish to score Indonesia’s fifth goal.

2' Nothing left to lose

At the start of the second extra period, Japan decided to play power play, pushing their formation forward and involving their goalkeeper in attack, aiming to equalize in the final moments.

Second extra period begins

End of first extra period: Indonesia 4-3 Japan

4' Indonesia takes the lead again

A defensive error by Japan allowed the ball to reach Reza Gunawan, who calmly finished to put Indonesia ahead 4-3.

3' Missed chance

Mochammad Iqbal unleashed a powerful and dangerous shot, but Japan’s players bravely blocked it.

Extra time begins

Full time: Futsal Indonesia 3-3 Japan

40' Penalty awarded to Japan

The referee consulted VAR before awarding a penalty to Japan. From the spot, captain Shimizu calmly scored, leveling the score at 3-3 for the Land of the Rising Sun.

39' Indonesia’s third goal

Adriansyah delivered a refined finish into Japan’s net for Indonesia’s third goal, igniting the arena as a true upset unfolded.

35' Japan equalizes

Captain Shimizu executed a skillful move, evading Indonesia’s defender before firing a decisive low shot to equalize for Japan.

33' Dangerous moment

Harada made a passing error, allowing Ardiansyah to steal the ball and face the goal, but the Indonesian player failed to beat Japan’s goalkeeper Tabuchi.

30' Japan reduces the deficit

Japan launched a well-organized counterattack before Motoishi took a shot. The ball deflected off Israr, surprising Indonesia’s keeper who couldn’t react in time, helping Japan cut the lead.

28' Goalpost saves

From a free kick, Japan combined well to create a dangerous shot. Arai Yuse’s third attempt struck the post of Indonesia’s goal.

27' Missed shot

Starting from a throw-in, Wendy Brian fired a very powerful long-range shot that hit the crossbar of Japan’s goal, causing the opposing defense to hold their breath.

25' Dangerous attack

Shimizu shot powerfully towards Indonesia’s goal, but the Indonesian goalkeeper reacted quickly and made a precise save, maintaining his team’s advantage.

23' GOAL!

Ardiansyah Nur unleashed a powerful long-range shot that Motoishi accidentally deflected into his own net, increasing Indonesia’s lead to 2-0.

21' Dangerous chance

At the start of the second half, captain Mochammad Iqbal had a golden opportunity to double the lead when he broke through to face Japan’s goalkeeper. However, his decisive shot lacked precision, allowing the keeper to save, and Indonesia missed a crucial second goal.

21' Second half begins

End of first half: Futsal Indonesia 1-0 Japan

17' Goalpost denies

Shimizu fired a threatening shot, but once again the ball struck the post of Indonesia’s goal.

15' Missed chance

Yoshikawa made a rapid break and faced Indonesia’s goalkeeper but failed to score.

14' Dangerous long shot

Yamanaka launched a very powerful long-range shot that narrowly missed the crossbar of Indonesia’s goal.

12' GOAL!

From a chaotic corner kick in front of Japan’s goal, Samuel Eko quickly finished from close range to open the scoring for Indonesia.

9' Missed shot

Japan launched a quick counterattack; Harada struck powerfully but the ball hit the post of Indonesia’s goal.

7' Indonesia tries hard

Japan continuously increased pressure on Indonesia’s half, but the Southeast Asian team held firm thanks to a tight and disciplined defense.

4' Indonesia misses opportunity

Indonesia organized a smooth combination play, but Yogi Saputra failed to beat Japan’s goalkeeper in the final shot.

2' Dangerous chance

Yamanaka skillfully set up with a wall pass, creating an opportunity for Motoishi to strike powerfully, shaking Indonesia’s goal.

1' Match starts

Starting lineups of both teams

What time is the Indonesia vs Japan futsal match and where to watch live?

• Time: 7:00 PM today, February 5th
• Venue: Indonesia Arena Stadium
• Tournament: 2026 Asian Futsal Championship Semifinals
• Live on: TV360

Expected lineups

• Indonesia: Habibie, Xavier, Iqbal, Megantara, Ardiansyah
• Japan: Tabuchi, Uchimura, Yamanaka, Motoishi, Uchida

Indonesia vs Japan futsal preview

Indonesia’s futsal team has made a very strong impression in the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship. The Southeast Asian team showed vitality and resilience by remaining unbeaten in the group stage, earning two wins and one draw to confidently advance to the knockout round. Notably, in the quarterfinals, Indonesia defeated Vietnam 3-2 in a tense and emotional match. This victory not only opened the door to the semifinals but also clearly demonstrated Indonesia’s significant progress in futsal in recent years, both in tactical organization and player quality.

However, the biggest challenge likely awaits ahead. In the next round, Indonesia faces Japan, the true giant of Asian futsal. The Land of the Rising Sun team not only has a rich tradition but is also aiming for their fifth Asian futsal championship title. Their experience, composure, and proven class make Japan the top favorite for the crown.

Japan’s form this year makes Indonesia extremely cautious. Through the rounds, Japan has scored 17 goals, showcasing their formidable attacking power and diverse approaches to breaking down defenses. They play dominantly, at high speed, with intense pressing and very effective finishing.

For Indonesia, this match is both a huge challenge and an opportunity to confirm their new status in futsal. Although considered the underdog, if they maintain their fighting spirit, confidence, and tight organization as shown, Indonesia can definitely make Japan sweat and turn this into one of the tournament’s most exciting contests.