FIFA.com - News

Quartet advance to Asian women's finals

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the five places available to Asia at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 after Jordan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam all qualified for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Asian women begin bid for Canada

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:11:00 GMT

The journey towards the newly enlarged 24-nation FIFA Women’s World Cup™ begins this week for Asia’s aspirants with the continent set to field a record number of contenders.

Statement of the FIFA President after today's AFC President election held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thu, 02 May 2013 06:48:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter congratulates Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa following his election as the new AFC President.

West Asian duo maintain perfect run

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from Friday’s abbreviated AFC Asian Cup matchday with Bahrain and United Arab Emirates the big winners, as 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan were undone on the road.

Asian favourites open brightly

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 02:55:00 GMT

The journey towards AFC Asian Cup qualification began with continental giants Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia opening in bright fashion while ten-man Hong Kong managed to collect a point on the road against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan.

Journey to Asian glory opens with key match-ups

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:34:00 GMT

The long road to qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia commences on Wednesday with a massive matchday featuring ten matches and four former continental kings. FIFA.com previews all the action.

Familiar trio head up Asian contenders

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:50:00 GMT

Five days of action in Doha produced countless thrilling matches and an avalanche of goals but when the dust settled it was three familiar names in Iran, Japan and United Arab Emirates who had won through to Tahiti 2013.

Asian giants face challenge in Doha

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:31:00 GMT

The Qatari capital Doha is set to host the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013, as teams hope for one of the three tickets to the event in September. FIFA.com previews the qualifiers.

A new chapter for UAE

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:01:00 GMT

The Gulf Cup came to a spectacular close as UAE triumphed over Iraq in a 2-1 extra-time victory. FIFA.com reviews the tournament which saw Mehdi Ali's side finish as the region's premier outfit.

Teams prepare for Gulf Cup semi-finals

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:48:00 GMT

Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE are currently preparing for tomorrow's Gulf Cup semi-finals, with two evenly-matched contests seemingly in prospect.

CAN hopefuls in friendly action

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Ethiopia, Tunisia and Togo were among the winners as the year ended with a host of pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly matches.

Syrians reign supreme in West Asia

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the seventh edition of the WAFF Championship, and turns the spotlight on some of the teams that made their mark, most notably Syria who defied the odds to be crowned regional kings.

Tough draw for Chinese champions

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:33:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande have been placed in a group containing Jeonbuk Motors and Urawa Red Diamonds when the 2013 AFC Champions League draw was made today.

A month of FIFA development: October 2012

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 08:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com brings you our monthly round-up of the most recent development projects and events during October.

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.

Former champions handed tough draws

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT

China PR, Iraq, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have been grouped together in AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying, while Iran will join Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon in another tough pool.

Adnan released by Roar

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:13:00 GMT

Bahraini defender Mohamed Adnan has been released by Australian A-League champions Brisbane Roar after failing to return from the Middle East for training due to 'family reasons'.

Morocco shock favourites to lift cup

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 09:16:00 GMT

The 2012 Arab Nations Cup presented its fair share of surprises, with the most prominent of which being Morocco's run into the final and their thrilling 3-1 win on penalties over Libya.

Mixed fortunes for leaders in the east

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Top flight football resumed following a two-week hiatus in east Asia, with success greeting the leaders in Japan and China PR but problems for the pacesetters in Korea Republic.

Japan, UAE grab London tickets

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Japan and United Arab Emirates have joined Korea Republic in booking their places at London 2012 with final matchday victories over Bahrain and Uzbekistan respectively.

Japan and UAE reach London

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:08:00 GMT

Goals from Takahiro Ogihara and Hiroshi Kiyotak earned Japan a 2-0 win over Bahrain and a place at London 2012, while UAE clinched their place in dramatic circumstances, coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-2.

Jattal: Syria will give everything to get there

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:03:00 GMT

Ahead of a vital meeting with Malaysia FIFA.com caught up with Haitham Jattal who is attempting to guide Syria to London 2012, with his side having already claimed the scalp of continental heavyweights Japan.

Asian hopefuls eye Olympic debut

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:09:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for London 2012 reaches its climax this week with Uzbekistan and United Arab Emirates both within touching distance of an historic feat, while Japan are in the box seat to claim the continent’s other available berth.

Progression celebrated in Asian media

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:35:00 GMT

After a dramatic final matchday in the third round of Asian Zone qualifiers for Brazil 2014, FIFA.com looks at how the media and coaches have been reacting across the continent.

Ten left standing as Saudis, Bahrain fall

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Qatar snatched a draw in Iran and a place in the final phase of Asian Zone qualifying at the expense of Bahrain, while Oman went through thanks to Saudi Arabia’s collapse in Australia and Korea Republic and Lebanon completed the last ten.

Asian hopefuls face moment of truth

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:45:00 GMT

Asia's concluding Round Three matchday sees eight nations hunting four remaining berths with continental elite Korea Republic still not safe as outsiders such as Lebanon, Thailand and Oman seek breakthrough success.

Asia's top guns ready to fire

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Eight Asian teams remain in contention for four remaining berths to Round Four of Brazil 2014 qualifying and some veteran goalscorers are aiming to rise to the occasion.

Simultaneous kick-offs scheduled in Asia

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:57:00 GMT

FIFA have confirmed that Asian qualifying matches for Groups A and C in the Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 will take place with simultaneous kick-offs during the final Matchday on 14 March.

Contrasting fortunes for continental elite

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:45:00 GMT

Korea Republic became the first Asian team to win through to London 2012 but it was a very different story for two teams with strong Olympic pedigree - Australia and Saudi Arabia.

New faces maintain charge for history

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:24:00 GMT

Asia's campaign for London 2012 reaches its penultimate round on Wednesday with the likes of Oman, Uzbekistan and Syria all seeking to maintain their push for ground-breaking qualification.

Japan youngsters seek to bounce back

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:07:00 GMT

A shock defeat against Syria has left Japan in a heated battle for the group’s lone automatic berth for London 2012 with a fifth successive qualification suddenly hanging in the balance.

Bahrain on the rise under Taylor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:44:00 GMT

The influence of English coach Peter Taylor is paying off for Bahrain, who have climbed six places to 95th on the latest global ladder largely thanks to their Arab Games conquest.

Shocks blow open qualifying race

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:34:00 GMT

Crucial late goals were the order of the day in Asian qualifying for London 2012 with Korea Republic securing a draw but fellow frontrunners Japan were stunned by a last-gasp winner, while Uzbekistan are on the cusp of qualification.

East Asians look to tighten grip

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:16:00 GMT

Well-placed Japan and Korea Republic have London 2012 in their sights as Asian qualifying resumes for the year, while the remaining group is a four-way contest between Australia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Taylor: Bahrain have a mountain to climb

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:45:00 GMT

Bahrain have been one step away from reaching the last two FIFA World Cups™ but while their coach Peter Taylor tells FIFA.com the chances of reaching Brazil 2014 are slim, the Englishman says the Gulf nation has a bright future.

Mixed results for Asian pacesetters

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:07:00 GMT

There were differing fortunes for the frontrunners in Asia as Australia's Central Coast Mariners were held and Qatar's Lekhwiya suffered a fourth defeat, while Brisbane Roar and Al Ain of UAE both claimed wins.

East Asians set the tone

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:07:00 GMT

The race for London 2012 has hit the halfway mark in Asia with Japan and Korea Republic currently in pole position, while the third qualification berth is wide open.

Goal-shy Aussies held, Japan on course

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Australia's Olympic qualifying hopes for London 2012 suffered yet another blow as they were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw, this time by Uzbekistan, while Japan stayed on course with a 2-1 win over Syria.

Late Bahrain treble stuns Malaysia

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

A stunning late comeback by Bahrain, mounting a three goal-turnaround in the last ten minutes to win 3-2, against Malaysia has helped to keep their hopes of reaching the London 2012 Olympics alive.

Japan top group with Bahrain win

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:24:00 GMT

Japan eased to a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the third round of Asian qualifying for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament next year, scoring through Yuki Otsu and Keigo Higashi.

Four spots left in Asia

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:18:00 GMT

The window of opportunity to reach the next stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification continues to get smaller in Asia, with only four berths remaining after Australia, Iran and Iraq all sealed their passage.

Three through, five out in Asia

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:07:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a matchday on which Japan, Uzbekistan and Jordan sealed berths in the fourth round and the hopes of Indonesia, Korea DPR, Singapore, Tajikistan and United Arab Emirates were ended.

Last-gasp Iran deny Bahrain

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:33:00 GMT

Iran’s Mojtaba Jabari struck an 11th-hour leveller to deny Bahrain victory and keep his nation on track for a place in the fourth phase of continental qualifying.

Quartet well placed, five stare at abyss

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Friday’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Asia where four nations can sew up their passage to the next stage, including what would be a historic moment for Jordan.

China's Brazil dreams on a knife-edge

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:56:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ continues on Friday with China PR on the brink of elimination, while the continent's elite are well placed with two further matchdays to come.

Asia's top-ten announced

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:14:00 GMT

The second shortlist of contenders for the 2011 AFC Player of the Year award has been announced and includes continental stars such as Japan pair Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, plus Uzbekistan's Server Djeparov.

Queiroz: Iran are achieving consistency

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:03:00 GMT

Six months into his tenure, Carlos Queiroz has Iran well positioned in their push for Brazil 2014 with the former Real Madrid and Portugal coach telling FIFA.com about the team's growth and his ambitions on the world stage.

Sayed Adnan enjoying Aussie adventure

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:36:00 GMT

Bahrain international defender Sayed Mohamed Adnan speaks to FIFA.com about his development as a player and his move to Australian A-League outfit Brisbane Roar.

Shots, sensations and smashed records

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:55:00 GMT

New records in Greece, Uruguay and the Netherlands feature alongside impressive qualifying showings from the likes of Japan, Spain, Venezuela and Niger in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Asian heavyweights nearly there

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:53:00 GMT

Asia’s top sides ran riot today in qualifying for Brazil 2014, with Japan going goal crazy against the Tajiks while Australia and Iran also had comfortable evenings.