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Spotlight On
Spotlight On

World Football

The Week in Quotes

World Football

The Week in Numbers 

Women's Football

Shaping the future of the women’s game in Asia 

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Latest News

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Russia 2018

53 days to go: Super Sanchez
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FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Brazil win ticket to France with room to spare
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Russia 2018

Spartak Stadium: All you need to know
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FIFA World Cup

RE-LIVE: 1998 World Cup Rewind
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Russia 2018

164,136 FIFA World Cup tickets allocated within first 24 hours
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Russia 2018

Three reasons why Mexico can reach the quinto partido
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Russia 2018

Neymar: I'll arrive at World Cup in good shape
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FIFA Ranking

White Falcons soaring to new heights
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FIFA World Cup

Wonderful World Cup goals under the microscope
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FIFA World Cup™

Sergio Goyochea: The surprise package who outshone Maradona at Italia '90
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FIFA World Cup™

Video Vault: Pele, a footballing titan
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Russia 2018

How will the debutants compare?
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FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

In-form Ueki aiming to fire Japan to the top
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FIFA Forward

A new home for Macedonia's youngsters
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Russia 2018

World Cup ticket holders: Help the environment and win two Final tickets
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CONCACAF Champions League

Chivas edge closer to continental crown
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Russia 2018

A golden generation's best chance to shine
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CONCACAF Champions League

Osorio and Toronto FC ready to make history
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FIFA Women's World Cup™

Korea Republic secure France 2019 qualification
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FIFA eWorld Cup

'Falcon MSDossary' crowned in Manchester
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FIFA Women's World Cup™

Li Ying, Steel Roses' unsung heroine
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OFC Champions League

Final four set in Oceania
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Russia 2018

Santos: Portugal aren’t among the five favourites
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Development

Technical director training takes next steps in Africa
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FIFA Women's World Cup™

Australia and Japan qualify for France 2019
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A HERO IN SOUTH AFRICA, A FAN IN RUSSIA

Russia 2018

"No one likes to play against Uruguay"

For the first time since Italy 1990, Diego Forlan is preparing to cheer Uruguay on at the FIFA World Cup™ as a supporter, a situation that will no doubt take some getting used to for a player who represented La Celeste at each of their world finals appearances since then.

Currently playing in Hong Kong, where he has been banging the goals in for Kitchee, the adidas Golden Ball winner at South Africa 2010 found some time in his busy schedule to discuss Russia 2018, Uruguay’s chances, the influence of Luis Suarez, his role as a fan and the contenders for the Trophy: “Brazil and Germany both have a great chance.”

For the first time since Italy 1990, Diego Forlan is preparing to cheer Uruguay on at the FIFA World Cup™ as a supporter, a situation that will no doubt take some getting used to for a player who represented La Celeste at each of their world finals appearances since then.

The adidas Golden Ball winner at South Africa 2010 sat down with FIFA.com to discuss every angle of Russia 2018: Uruguay’s chances, the influence of Luis Suarez, his role as a fan and the contenders for the Trophy.

The Interview

“The World Cup’s coming up and I’m pretty relaxed because I know the coaching staff and I know the players give their all for the shirt. It doesn’t mean we’re going to win it, but I hope we do.”

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Voting opens 26 April!

Presented by

The submission phase is now over. It’s time to take the very best of The Be There with Hyundai Contest entries and prepare them for FAN VOTING! Starting 26 April, fans will get to VOTE AND DECIDE which slogans will be displayed on the 32 team buses and which of their lucky creators will travel to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™!

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Official Calendar

Full calendar
  • Tournament 2 - 12 May AFC Women's Futsal Championship 2018
  • Meetings 30 May Official Draw FU17WWC
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FIFA/Coca-Cola
World Ranking

#75 White Falcons soaring to new heights

Discover
  • #1 Germany Pts. 1533
  • #2 Brazil Pts. 1384
  • #3 Belgium Pts. 1346
  • #4 Portugal Pts. 1306
  • #5 Argentina Pts. 1254
  • #6 Switzerland Pts. 1179

Ranking Table

#1 SheBelieves Cup win keeps USA top of World Ranking

Discover
  • #1 USA Pts. 2115
  • #2 England Pts. 2042
  • #3 Germany Pts. 2033
  • #4 Canada Pts. 2029
  • #5 France Pts. 2025
  • #6 Australia Pts. 2018

Ranking Table

FIFA FORWARD PROGRAMME

A “STEP CHANGE” FOR GLOBAL FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

FIFA’s commitment to developing and supporting football around the world starts with more investment, more impact and more oversight...

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Latest Photos

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Latest Videos

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53 DAYS TO GO! Super Sanchez

53 DAYS TO GO! Super...

Sunday, 22 Apr 2018

There have been 53 FIFA World Cup™ matches played by players with the surname Sanchez. Chile's Leonel won the adidas Golden Boot in 1962, while Mexico's Hugo appeared at three tournaments.

© YouTube

2018 FIFA World Cup™ 

 54 DAYS TO GO! Beamed around the world

54 DAYS TO GO! Beame...

Saturday, 21 Apr 2018

The 1954 FIFA World Cup™ was the first to be televised, with Fritz Walter's West Germany defeating Hungary's Magical Magyars in a thrilling finale.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 Hyundai Anatomy of a Goal: Diego Forlan

Hyundai Anatomy of a...

Friday, 20 Apr 2018

This week's 'Anatomy of a Goal' looks back at Diego Forlan's spectacular strike against Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 55 DAYS TO GO! Maradona's moment of magic  

55 DAYS TO GO! Marad...

Friday, 20 Apr 2018

After Diego Maradona's indiscretion - the 'Hand of God' - four minutes prior, fans at the Azteca Stadium did not have long to wait until the 55th minute of Argentina's clash against England at Mexico 1986 to see the 'Goal of the Century'

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 Sergio Goyochea: The surprise package who outshone Maradona at Italia '90

Sergio Goyochea: The...

Thursday, 19 Apr 2018

Sergio Goyochea's Italia '90 World Cup story is truly remarkable; from periphery member of the Argentina squad to national cult hero, playing an instrumental role in their route to the final.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 56 DAYS TO GO! Three Lions' defensive record

56 DAYS TO GO! Three...

Thursday, 19 Apr 2018

England have conceded 56 goals in 62 FIFA World Cup™ matches, with Germany the biggest beneficiaries: Die Nationalmannschaft have scored ten in five meetings with the Three Lions.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 57 DAYS TO GO! La Albiceleste's able marksmen

57 DAYS TO GO! La Al...

Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018

There have been 57 different goalscorers for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup™, spanning 84 years from Luis Monti's opener against France at the 1930 finals, to Angel Di Maria's remarkable extra time winner against Switzerland at Brazil 2014.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 One to Eleven: Andreas Brehme

One to Eleven: Andre...

Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018

Stadio Olimpico, Rome. July 8th, 1990. A place and date that Andreas Brehme will never forget. Enjoy the third in our series of shorts, highlighting some of the stories featured in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Film, One to Eleven. The full film is being made available to all Official FIFA world cup broadcasters.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 Hyundai x 2018 FIFA World Cup™ | Hyundai World Football Heritage with Henry

Hyundai x 2018 FIFA ...

Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

How do you root for your team? Every passionate fan cheers for victory, but do they know its impact? Thierry Henry says that the roar of the crowd makes all the difference. Visit our website and see how much cheering matters: [https://worldcup.hyundai.com](https://worldcup.hyundai.com)

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 Lilian Thuram: The ultimate zero to hero World Cup story

Lilian Thuram: The u...

Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

Lilian Thuram felt at fault when Croatia took the lead against France in their semi-final clash at France 1998. However, he remained undeterred and went on to make up for his error in the best possible way.

© YouTube

2018 FIFA World Cup™ 

 58 DAYS TO GO! Brotherly love

58 DAYS TO GO! Broth...

Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

A total of 58 brothers have featured at the FIFA World Cup™, with Ottmar and Fritz Walter and Bobby and Jack Charlton winning the tournament in 1954 and 1966 respectively. In a remarkable twist, Kevin-Prince and Jerome Boateng even faced each other - in the Ghana v Germany game at Brazil 2014

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 One to Eleven: Carles Puyol

One to Eleven: Carle...

Friday, 06 Apr 2018

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg. July 11th, 2010. A place and date that Carles Puyol will never forget. Enjoy the first in our series of shorts, highlighting some of the stories featured in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Film, One to Eleven.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 59 DAYS TO GO! Amazing atmospheres abound

59 DAYS TO GO! Amazi...

Monday, 16 Apr 2018

59 FIFA World Cup™ games have had an attendance of 80,000 spectators or more. The 1986 Final saw 114,600 people pack into the Azteca Stadium, while 173,850 saw Uruguay stun Brazil at the Maracana in the 1950 edition's decisive game.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 60 DAYS TO GO! Gli Azzurri's super sixty

60 DAYS TO GO! Gli A...

Sunday, 15 Apr 2018

There have been 60 different goalscorers for Italy at the FIFA World Cup™, spanning 80 years from Angelo Schiavio's opener at the 1934 edition to Mario Balotelli's winner against England at Brazil 2014.

© YouTube

2018 FIFA World Cup™ 

 61 DAYS TO GO! Record-breaker Matthaus

61 DAYS TO GO! Recor...

Saturday, 14 Apr 2018

On 21 March 1961, one of the FIFA World Cup’s all-time greats was born: Lothar Matthaus. The legendary midfielder played in no fewer than five separate editions (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998) - more than any other outfield player in World Cup history.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 Hyundai Anatomy of a Goal: Pele

Hyundai Anatomy of a...

Friday, 13 Apr 2018

A 17-year-old player by the name of Pele lit up the final of the 1958 FIFA World Cup with this brilliant solo effort.

© YouTube

Development

 Seven essential measurements to test a FIFA World Cup™ football

Seven essential meas...

Tuesday, 03 Apr 2018

Ever wondered how a FIFA World Cup™ football is tested? Find out what the 7 FIFA Quality Programme test measurements are and how a FIFA World Cup™ football obtains the FIFA Quality Pro mark. [https://football-technology.fifa.com/en/](https://football-technology.fifa.com/de/) #FootballTechnology

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 62 DAYS TO GO! England’s chequered history

62 DAYS TO GO! Engla...

Friday, 13 Apr 2018

England have played 62 matches at the FIFA World Cup, and have emerged with mixed memories. But amid the disappointments and penalty shootout defeats, there has been one unrivalled highlight: their triumph in the 1966 Final.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 World Cup Trophy visits Panama

World Cup Trophy vis...

Thursday, 12 Apr 2018

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour™ by Coca-Cola continued it's world tour, with Panama the latest destination. 1998 World Cup winner David Trezeguet was on hand to share the excitement with fans, including during a stop at a world famous landmark!

© YouTube

Development

 Wildcats growing girls football participation in England 

Wildcats growing gir...

Tuesday, 10 Apr 2018

An initiative aimed at ages 5-11, which has received investment as part of the FIFA Forward Programme, Wildcats was launched in 2017 as part of The FA’s strategy to double female football participation by 2020.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 63 DAYS TO GO! Extra-time drama

63 DAYS TO GO! Extra...

Thursday, 12 Apr 2018

In the history of the FIFA World Cup, 63 matches have gone to extra time – including some of the tournament’s most memorable and significant encounters. Among them, of course, were the last three finals, with Italy, Spain and Germany having triumphed after 120 minutes.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 64 DAYS TO GO! Trophy Tour thrills the world

64 DAYS TO GO! Troph...

Wednesday, 11 Apr 2018

Having criss-crossed Russia until December 2017, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour™ by Coca-Cola has since gone global. It is in the process of visiting no fewer than 64 cities spread across six different continents.

© YouTube

2018 FIFA World Cup™ 

 One to Eleven: Andrea Pirlo

One to Eleven: Andre...

Wednesday, 11 Apr 2018

9th July 2006, Olympiastadion, Berlin: A special date and place for former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo. As we continue our series of shorts from the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ film, One to Eleven, enjoy the midfield maestro's recollections of that famous night.

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 65 DAYS TO GO! Japan stars make their mark

65 DAYS TO GO! Japan...

Tuesday, 10 Apr 2018

A total of 65 players have represented Japan at the FIFA World Cup, with the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata, Shunsuke Nakamura, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa all having made their mark. Who will star for the Samurai Blue at Russia 2018?

© YouTube

FIFA World Cup™

 66 DAYS TO GO! Willie sparks mascot mania

66 DAYS TO GO! Willi...

Monday, 09 Apr 2018

The 1966 FIFA World Cup was the first to have an Official Mascot, with World Cup Willie the successful pioneer. Mascots have been a fixture at the global showpiece ever since, with Zabivaka set to be prominent throughout Russia 2018.

© YouTube

Focus on

FYR Macedonia

FFM

A new home for Macedonia's youngsters

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FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking

Men's Ranking #77

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FIFA Partners

Men's Tournaments

Women's Tournaments