FIFA.com - News

USA & Canada dominate CONCACAF

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:17:00 GMT

USA and Canada have qualified for London 2012, asserting their authority in an eight-nation CONCACAF preliminary competition, notably handing Costa Rica and Mexico their exits.

Canada, USA book London berth

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:06:00 GMT

Both USA and Canada confirmed their place at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2012 in London after beating Costa Rica and Mexico respectively at the CONCACAF women's Olympic soccer competition.

Predictor enters second-half

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:01:00 GMT

Our FIFA Match Predictor prizes include a trip to Brazil 2014™, customized football jerseys and adidas Tango 12 footballs!

Two tickets up for grabs in CONCACAF

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:42:00 GMT

The CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying tournament is set to begin tomorrow in Vancouver, British Columbia with hosts Canada favoured in Group A, while USA face a tricky test in Group B alongside Mexico.

Countdown begins to London 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:28:00 GMT

With less than 200 days to go before the start of London 2012, FIFA.com takes a look at what to expect in the run up to the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments.

LD Alajuelense, the eternal champions

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:59:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at LD Alajuelense, long-time giants of Costa Rican club football and eternal arch-rivals to Deportivo Saprissa.

Gone but never forgotten

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:43:00 GMT

Once again the football family lost some great figures during the past 12 months. FIFA.com pays tribute to those who passed away in 2011, including Florian Albert, Socrates and Gary Speed.

Japan make first-ever top three appearance

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.

Navas: Casillas praise pleased me

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:51:00 GMT

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas talks to FIFA.com about receiving praise from Iker Casillas after helping Costa Rica draw with Spain, Los Ticos’ quest to reach Brazil 2014 and his own mission to break into the Levante first team.

Stars shine as Galaxy triumph

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:24:00 GMT

David Beckham won his first MLS crown with LA Galaxy, while Adriano and Alvaro Recoba both scored vital goals on a weekend when the stars shone brightly in the Americas. FIFA.com has all the details in its weekly round-up.

Development in Costa Rica, wins for Brazil

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at the latest developments in the world of Futsal, just one year out from start of the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.

Del Bosque, Iniesta discuss Spain draw

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:25:00 GMT

Despite a disappointing 2-2 draw in Costa Rica, Vicente del Bosque and Andres Iniesta have chosen to reflect on the positive of Spain managing to salvage a draw from the jaws of defeat.

Germany, Uruguay lay down markers

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:56:00 GMT

Tuesday’s friendly internationals saw Germany record a resounding victory over the Dutch and Uruguay pull off a memorable success in Italy. England and USA both won, while France and Spain settled for draws.

Spain save draw in Costa Rica

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:45:00 GMT

Spain needed two late goals from David Silva and David Villa to rescue a 2-2 draw in their international friendly with Costa Rica, who led at half-time thanks to strikes from Randall Brenes and Joel Campbell.

Eight projects to compete for the FIFA/CIES International University Network Award

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:44:00 GMT

Following the success of the inaugural FIFA/CIES International University Network Award last year, CIES has received eight projects for the second year of this competition.

Iniesta back for England friendly

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:29:00 GMT

Vicente Del Bosque has named his 23-man squad for Spain's upcoming friendlies against England and Costa Rica, with Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta selected again after injury.

Six out of seven for hosts Brazil

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:06:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the recent Grand Prix de Futsal, which Brazil won after seeing off a stern challenge from Russia in the final to lift their sixth trophy in seven attempts.

Do-or-die drama settles last eight

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:29:00 GMT

The group stage went down to the wire in the CONCACAF Champions League with Los Angeles Galaxy clinching the last spot in the quarter-finals on the final matchday, while reigning champions Monterrey are also through.

Pinto primed for Tico challenge

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Determined to prove that sequels can sometimes top the original, Jorge Luis Pinto is back for his second stint in charge of Costa Rica insisting they can hold their own against anyone.

Corinthians on top, Galaxy reign

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:15:00 GMT

Although some leagues took a back seat as international matches took place, domestic action continued in Brazil, Mexico and USA, where LA Galaxy won a second straight Supporters Shield.

Neymar grabs lacklustre Brazil win

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:55:00 GMT

Brazil laboured to a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica, with Neymar popping up in the six-yard box to tap home the eventual winner, as the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ hosts failed to hit top gear.

'osalonero': It’s an honour

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:30:00 GMT

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time for another interview with one of our weekly FIFA Match Predictor winners.

Ecuador, Paraguay, Colombia secure wins

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:15:00 GMT

There were comfortable international victories for Ecuador, who saw off Costa Rica 4-0, and also Paraguay, who cruised 3-0 in Honduras, while Colombia defeated Jamaica.

Ticos shock USA

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Jurgen Klinsmann is still searching for his first victory as USA coach after Costa Rica surprised the Americans with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from debutant Rodney Wallace.

Cottagers seal Ruiz deal

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:09:00 GMT

Fulham have beaten off Newcastle for the signature of FC Twente attacker Bryan Ruiz, with the highly-rated Costa Rican penning a four-year deal.

Klinsmann names squad for Ticos test

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:06:00 GMT

USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann has recalled ten players from the national side's 1-1 draw with Mexico for an international friendly against Costa Rica.

Arsenal loan Campbell to Lorient

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:31:00 GMT

Costa Rican international Joel Campbell, who recently signed with Arsenal, has been sent out to Lorient on a one-year loan deal.

Brazil's youngsters return to the top

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:16:00 GMT

Eight years after their last FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph, Brazil lifted the trophy for the fifth time in front of record-breaking crowds at Colombia 2011.

Keane sparks LA as Argentinian elite roar

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the weekend club action from around the Americas, where the big four prospered in Argentina, Chivas took top spot in Mexico and Robbie Keane shone in his opener in LA.

La Volpe quits as Costa Rica coach

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:40:00 GMT

Ricardo La Volpe has been sacked as coach of Costa Rica following poor performances at the Copa America and in recent friendlies.

Behind the scenes at Colombia 2011

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:05:00 GMT

FIFA photographers have gone behind the scenes to bring you an exclusive view of Colombia 2011. From the changing room to the warm-up areas by way of the tunnel, we look at some of their shots.

Colombia survive huge scare, snatch win

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:24:00 GMT

Los Cafeteros trailed with 11 minutes left on the clock, but two late goals secured the hosts a 3-2 defeat of Costa Rica and a place in the quarter-finals.

Hosts in heaven on penalty Tuesday

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:57:00 GMT

All four games were, exceptionally, decided by penalties. Colombia needed a last-gasp one to complete a thrilling comeback, while Argentina and Portugal also scored winners from the spot and Mexico triumphed in a shoot-out.

Gonzalez plots Colombian downfall

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:23:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Costa Rica coach and birthday boy Ronald Gonzalez on his plans to upset the odds in his charges’ FIFA U-20 World Cup Round-of-16 match with Colombia.

Worth the weight for Bonilla

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:12:00 GMT

Colombia goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla tells FIFA.com about how, as an overweight eight-year-old, he swapped scoring goals for saving shots, and about his desire to be regarded as the best in his position at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Colombia face Gonzalez threat again

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:11:00 GMT

The scorer of the Costa Rica goal that downed Colombia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1989, Tico coach Ronald Gonzalez is plotting their downfall again in the last 16 on Tuesday.

Spain, Nigeria perfect, Guatemala historic

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 04:30:00 GMT

The final matches in Groups C and D featured excitement aplenty, including a stunning win for Guatemala over Croatia which extends their stay at Colombia 2011.

De Jesus nods Ecuador through

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:04:00 GMT

Ecuador have booked their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, who, despite the loss, have also secured their place in the knockout round as a best third-place team.

From bus tunes to celebrity times

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:18:00 GMT

Juan Govea speaks to FIFA.com about singing on buses to put food on his family's table, representing Ecuador in Colombia, how fame hasn't changed him and playing for his father.

High stakes in Pereira

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:02:00 GMT

Ecuador and Costa Rica could both end up in the Round of 16. They could also both end up out of the competition. The two sides will be going all out for victory.

Goal rush takes trio through

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:03:00 GMT

Spain, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria all confirmed their passage to the knockout stage at Colombia 2011 amid a flurry of goals, while Costa Rica are also looking good after an entertaining win over Australia.

Campbell stars as Ticos edge Aussies

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:50:00 GMT

The highly-rated No10 scored twice as Costa Rica beat Australia 3-2 to leave themselves in a strong position to advance and their opponents with a mountain to climb.

Koke: We came here for the title

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Koke speaks to FIFA.com about Spain's 4-1 win over Costa Rica, his goal and Rodrigo's performance in it, the ensuing battle with Ecuador and the Iberians' target for the tournament.

Spain eye progression, Ecuador target upset

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:20:00 GMT

Victory would take the Iberians through to the Round of 16, while defeat would leave Ecuador with it all to do in their final Group C outing.

Oar: Soccer will become our top sport

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:54:00 GMT

Tommy Oar chats to FIFA.com about his wonder goal and Australia's last-gasp draw against Ecuador, their upcoming game against Costa Rica and his belief that the sport will soon become the top sport Down Under.

Socceroos, Ticos poised to collide

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:36:00 GMT

Australia and Costa Rica, on one point and zero respectively, know defeat in their second Group C game would severely diminish their chances of reaching the Round of 16.

Nigeria romp as Saudis end wait

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:43:00 GMT

The Flying Eagles overwhelmed Guatemala 5-0 as the Asians won their first match in the tournament, while Spain survived a scare to beat Costa Rica 4-1 and Tommy Oar's wonder goal snatched Australia a point.

Rodri stars as Spain see off Costa Rica

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:52:00 GMT

The Benfica forward's double had La Roja strolling towards victory, but the Central Americans threatened an unlikely comeback before Koke and Isco sealed a 4-1 victory late on.

Spanish set out with Costa Rican test

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:58:00 GMT

Costa Rica and Spain, who each boast one of the tournament's biggest attractions, are set to square off in an appetising Group C opener.

Twenty-four teams, one trophy

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:24:00 GMT

Ahead of the tournament's opening matches, FIFA.com casts an eye over the 24 teams who have converged on Colombia to battle for world U-20 glory.