FIFA.com - News

Spain triumph, Montenegro hold firm

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up another massive evening of European Brazil 2014 qualifying highlighted by a crucial win for world champions Spain on their trip to Paris, while Montenegro and England remain evenly poised after a hard-fought draw.

Portugal rally to see off ten-man Azerbaijan

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:27:00 GMT

After being held for more than an hour, Portugal capitalised on assuming a numerical advantage to beat Azerbaijan 2-0, with Bruno Alves and Hugo Almeida getting the goals.

Crunch time for former champions

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Spain's trip to France is among the eye-catching fixtures in Tuesday's European Zone FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA.com previews the action.

Spain stumble, Portugal rescue point

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from a massive evening of Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Europe highlighted by a shock draw at home for world champions Spain against Finland, while Portugal narrowly avoided defeat in Israel.

Luxembourg, Azerbaijan in stalemate

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:14:00 GMT

Luxembourg and Azerbaijan did their Brazil 2014 ambitions few favours after the pair played out a goalless stalemate.

FIFA taking its responsibilities seriously

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:16:00 GMT

The FIFA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team had an incredibly busy 2012, with many events attended and initiatives started throughout the year. FIFA.com takes a look at what FIFA’s CSR group did over the year.

Blatter: Relegation should be a punishment for racism

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:45:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter speaks to FIFA.com about Lionel Messi, why relegating a team would be a good punishment for racism from its supporters, goal-line technology and his own love of football.

Who should your club sign?

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 10:54:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know who you reckon your club should sign in January 2013.

Plzen upset champions, Lazio on top

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:59:00 GMT

Viktoria Plzen stunned UEFA Europa League holders Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 win to top Group B, while Lazio cruised to victory at Maribor to finish top of Group J ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

UEFA confirm multi-city EURO 2020

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:50:00 GMT

UEFA have confirmed that UEFA EURO 2020 will not take place in a single country, instead being staged across multiple cities around the continent.

Heroes set in stone

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at some of the football men honoured by statues, from the wacky to the wonderful, and the reasons behind these tributes.

Russians overcome Italians as English held

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 23:02:00 GMT

There were notable wins for Rubin Kazan and Anzhi Makhachkala, beating Inter Milan and Udinese, while Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Liverpool all played out draws in the UEFA Europa League.

Ibra turns on the style, France impress again

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up a big night of international action across the globe highlighted by an impressive win for France in Italy, a Zlatan Ibrahimovic masterclass and Saudi Arabia denying Argentina.

Healy saves point for Northern Ireland

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:22:00 GMT

Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching Brazil 2014 look to be waning after a 1-1 with Azerbaijan draw at Windsor Park left them four points short of second place, despite David Healy's late equalising goal.

What is international football’s biggest rivalry?

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know what you feel is the biggest rivalry in the international game.

Mini football turf pitch inspires kids

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:32:00 GMT

A mini football turf pitch was the main attraction of the Fan Zone at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup from 15 September to 13 October in Azerbaijan where there were plenty of opportunities for football fans to indulge their passion.

A month of FIFA development: September 2012

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:53:00 GMT

In the latest of our monthly round-ups, FIFA.com shines a light on the main events and activities undertaken by FIFA to keep you abreast of development efforts around the world.

Sting in the tail for Germany, Spain

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:58:00 GMT

Surprise results littered Tuesday's 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification, as Germany let slip a four goal lead to draw 4-4 with Sweden, Northern Ireland held Portugal and France stunned Spain to grab a point in the closing seconds.

Late relief for Russia as they sink Azerbaijan

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:26:00 GMT

Despite dominating play, Russia had to wait until six minutes from time to score the only goal against a determined Azerbaijan, with Roman Shirokov slotting home a penalty after Vladimir Bystrov was fouled.

Capello keeping his cool

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:04:00 GMT

Despite registering a perfect start to Russia's FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, Fabio Capello insists his team can't dwell on their early charge in Group F and must turn focus on facing Azerbaijan.

Excitement as Euro elite face off

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Five games pit table-toppers against close rivals on Matchday 4 of European Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, as FIFA.com explains.

Expert gives Azerbaijan 2012 verdict

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Looking for an expert overview on the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, FIFA.com spoke to Elisabeth Loisel - head of the FIFA Technical Study Group at the tournament - about Azerbaijan 2012.

German connection driving Azerbaijan's progress

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the synergy between Germany and Azerbaijan, with the national team lead by Berti Vogts and the women's U-17 team under the tutelage of Sissy Raith.

Eastern Europe and central Asia look to future

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:38:00 GMT

Baku was the venue for a recent successful FIFA training course for eastern European and central Asian women’s football coaches.

Capello omits Arshavin, Pogrebnyak

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:09:00 GMT

Fabio Capello has revealed his 24-man squad for Russia's FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month, with Andrey Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak both missing out.

Abishov: I'm proud of Azerbaijan

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 06:26:00 GMT

Azerbaijan international Ruslan Abishov believes the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup could be a great stepping stone for bigger tournaments and fancies his side's chances against Russia in their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier.

A festive atmosphere in Azerbaijan

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:07:00 GMT

With the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup coming to uncharted lands for a FIFA tournament, the fans in Azerbaijan have got into the festive spirit during the group stage and are now ready for the knockout stage to begin.

Group A: Nigeria impress, Canada do just enough

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:12:00 GMT

Nigeria and Canada both advanced from Group A at Azerbaijan 2012, as Colombia ran out of steam and the hosts went away empty-handed.

Azerbaijan’s future in safe hands

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 09:51:00 GMT

Despite a tough tournament for host Azerbaijan, their final game saw them leave on a better note, narrowly losing 1-0 to Canada as goalkeeper Aytaj Sharifova was the stand-out star.

Cheers and tears on decision day

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 20:20:00 GMT

The final round of fixtures in groups A and B was all about the battle for berths in the quarter-finals, with two of the six contenders destined to fall short.

Sanderson sees Canada through

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Canada are through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating hosts Azerbaijan 1-0 courtesy of a second-half goal from Valerie Sanderson.

FIFA calls for solidarity to eradicate match-fixing

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:08:00 GMT

Chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee today completed a two-day meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, where it called for the solidarity of the football community to help eradicate match-fixing from the game.

Sextet hoping for quarter-final spot

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:46:00 GMT

As the final round of group games at Azerbaijan 2012 is set to commence, Group A and B are set to see some exciting encounters as six teams jostle to fill just four places up for grabs in the quarter-finals.

Nnodim, Ofoegbu out to make amends

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:41:00 GMT

After going in dramatic fashion at Trinidad and Tobago 2012, Nigerian pair Sarah Nnodim and Oluchi Ofegbu told FIFA.com they learnt from their experience and will not make the same mistakes at Azerbaijan 2012.

Heydarova: We’re proud to work with Raith

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 06:32:00 GMT

Azerbaijan were at a low ebb following their 11-0 defeat to Nigeria, but captain of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup hosts Amina Heydarova told FIFA.com they can rely on the inspiration of coach Sissy Raith.

Goal feast and tumbling records

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:32:00 GMT

Matchday 3 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup produced goals galore, with a total of 20 spread across just four matches, and a new record or two besides.

Nigeria put 11 past hosts

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:48:00 GMT

Nigeria put hosts Azerbaijan through a demoralising 90 minutes at the Lankaran Stadium, hitting 11 goals without reply to top FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Group A on goal difference.

Decisive day for winners and losers

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:10:00 GMT

Two teams will be fighting to remain in the competition in Groups A and B on Tuesday, while Korea DPR and Colombia can secure their early progress to the quarter-finals.

Women’s football comes to the fore in Azerbaijan

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 21:38:00 GMT

As the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicked off in Azerbaijan on Saturday, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was in attendance to witness an historic occasion for the women’s game.

J-Lo and the circus in pictures

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:02:00 GMT

Almost 30,000 spectators were present at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium for the opening ceremony of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, featuring Jennifer Lopez and “Cirque du Soleil”.

Emotions aplenty as Azerbaijan 2012 kicks off

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 18:02:00 GMT

The first day proved rich in emotions as Korea DPR struck eleven times, France held USA, Nigeria drew with Canada, and hosts Azerbaijan lost to Colombia after J-Lo lit up the opening ceremony.

Colombia cruise past hosts

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 17:59:00 GMT

Colombia spoiled the party mood in the Tofig Bahramov stadium, beating hosts Azerbaijan 4-0 to start their tournament in style, with captain Dayana Castillo getting two.

Hyundai vehicles set to drive Azerbaijan 2012

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 06:37:00 GMT

The headquarters of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan were the fitting setting today when representatives of Hyundai Motor Company officially handed over 65 vehicles which will be used for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012.

Blatter: Azerbaijan shows this is a game for all

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:43:00 GMT

On the eve of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and others involved in bringing the tournament to Azerbaijan spoke to the media. FIFA.com reviews the press conference.

Favourites in action early on

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 05:02:00 GMT

On the opening day at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, four title hopefuls are in action in the shape of USA, France, Nigeria and Korea DPR.

A springboard to the stars

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:32:00 GMT

With the footballing festivities set to kick off at FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, FIFA.com takes a look back on those stars who have flourished since making their bows on the U-17 stage.

Taborda: We’re ready to excel

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:01:00 GMT

Colombia meet the hosts on the opening evening of FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, an occasion they can't wait for, as their coach Felipe Taborda told FIFA.com.

Anticipation growing in Azerbaijan

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:59:00 GMT

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Azerbaijan is closing in, with the action set to kick off on 22 September and the players, coaches and fans are all gearing up for an unpredictable tournament full of up-and-coming talent.

Azerbaijan encourages girls to Live Your Goals

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:50:00 GMT

On Monday, Baku hosted the last in a series of Live Your Goals festivals which have been taking place over the last few months in the Zagatala, Quba, Sheki, and Masalli regions of Azerbaijan.

Which U-17 team will rise to prominence next?

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 08:08:00 GMT

With the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 edging ever closer, FIFA.com wants to know who you believe will be the next team to make their mark on the world stage.