The Maldives men’s national futsal team received a rapturous welcome upon their return home following a historic victory at the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026, the country’s first title in the tournament. They were welcomed by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, President of Football Association of Maldives (FAM) Ahmed Thoriq, Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal, senior officials, family members and sports dignitaries.

Following their arrival, the team travelled in a celebratory procession to the Artificial Beach, where a special ceremony was held with thousands of Maldivians gathered to celebrate. Supporters were given the opportunity to take photographs with the players and the championship trophy. The Maldives secured the title after defeating Bhutan 3–1 at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand. The team finished the tournament unbeaten with 18 points from six matches. The championship, organised by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), marked the first edition of the regional futsal tournament and featured seven participating nations, with the Maldives’ triumph hailed as a landmark moment in the nation’s sporting history.