Iran is the most successful side in the history of the competition, having won 12 of the 15 previous titles, with three-time champion Japan the only other nation to have lifted the trophy, the-afc.com reported.

Tayyebi, who spent four years with Kazakhstan champion Kairat Almaty before joining the Portuguese side S.L. Benfica in early August, said futsal has developed in Asia.

“In the past years, we could defeat Asian teams easily but futsal has developed in Asia in recent years,” said Hossein Tayyebi.

For this year’s edition, Iran is drawn in Group D alongside South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

“We have to do our best in the competition. Iran wants to defend the title since we are the best team in Asia. However, we know that we have a difficult task ahead,” Tayyebi said.

The Asian powerhouse will start its title defense against Saudi Arabia on November 5 before facing South Koreans two days later.

The last day of the group fixtures will see Iran play Thailand – runner-up in 2008 and 2012 – in Ashgabat’s Main Indoor Arena on November 9.