After just defeating the Netherlands, Indonesia suffered a surprising loss in the championship match.

Indonesia’s futsal team lost to Latvia, a team ranked 37 spots below them on the FIFA list, and thus failed to claim the championship of the friendly competition.

On the evening of September 21, the Indonesian futsal team faced Latvia in the final match of the Aqua Futsal Four Nations Cup, held on home ground. This game would decide the tournament champion, as both Latvia and Indonesia had previously beaten Tanzania and the Netherlands.

Having just secured a convincing 5-1 victory over the Netherlands, Indonesia was expected to overcome Latvia, who are ranked 37 places below them on FIFA’s list. However, within just 12 minutes, Latvia scored first when Viktors Kulepovs capitalized on Indonesia’s high pressing, finishing a timely assist from Edgars Tarakanovs.

This goal marked Kuļepovs’s fourth of the tournament. Nevertheless, the home side Indonesia quickly responded, converting a cleverly executed corner kick into an equalizer.

Early in the second half, Tarakanovs once again showcased his incredible speed, bypassing the goalkeeper to score from a tight angle. Indonesia pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but with only seven minutes left, they were punished again: Kulepovs fired a long-range shot into an open net, extending Latvia’s lead.

The home team managed to score another goal just 11 seconds before the final whistle, but Latvia held on to secure the win. Ultimately, Indonesia lost to Latvia 2-3, missing out on the championship on their home turf, while Latvia impressed with a perfect record of three wins.

Indonesia is the host of the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship, so they do not need to go through qualifiers. However, to prepare thoroughly for this important tournament, the Indonesian futsal team has participated in several quality friendly competitions, most recently the Aqua Futsal Four Nations Cup.

The 2025 Aqua Futsal Four Nations Cup took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, featuring four teams: hosts Indonesia (FIFA rank 23), the Netherlands (rank 28), Latvia (rank 60), and Tanzania (rank 138).