FIFA.com - News

USA back with a bang as Salvadorans stride

Mon, 13 May 2013 03:35:00 GMT

USA will return to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after a lengthy absence, edging fellow qualifiers El Salvador in the Bahamas in a qualifying tournament where top-ranked Mexico fell flat.

USA, El Salvador book passage to Tahiti

Sun, 12 May 2013 03:36:00 GMT

USA and El Salvador will represent CONCACAF at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after qualifying for Tahiti in dramatic fashion at the expense of Costa Rica and Mexico.

Mexico, Salvadorans comb the beach for gold

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:26:00 GMT

Qualifiers in the CONCACAF zone commence this week in Nassau, Bahamas, where Mexico are eager to defend their regional crown and El Salvador aim to keep up their relentless ascent and book passage to Tahiti 2013.

Women’s round-up: April 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com runs the rule over an action-packed month of women's football, which witnessed the qualifying campaign for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015™ gather pace and the dawn of a new era in the USA.

Mexico juniors continue to dominate

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:44:00 GMT

Defending world champions Mexico sparkled in winning the CONCACAF U-17 qualifying tournament to book their place at UAE 2013, where they will be joined by Panama, Honduras and Canada.

Mexico lead U-17 pack in Panama

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:20:00 GMT

The top 12 junior sides in North, Central America and the Caribbean, led by defending U-17 world champions Mexico, gather in Panama this weekend with the aim of reaching UAE 2013.

Women’s round-up: March 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com's look at the main events in women's football during March features international trophies for Costa Rica, England and USA, and the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals.

Panama, Costa Rica win as USA survive Azteca

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:07:00 GMT

Panama beat Honduras to take a surprise lead at the top of the CONCACAF Hexagonal, while USA picked up a historic point against ailing arch-rivals Mexico at the Azteca and Costa Rica found their form at home.

Statement on USA-Costa Rica

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:35:00 GMT

FIFA have released a statement after having received a letter via email and fax from the Costa Rica FA concerning their recent FIFA World Cup qualifier against USA.

All eyes on CONCACAF’s clasico

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews all the action as Mexico host arch-rivals USA on Tuesday at the Azteca in the main event of CONCACAF’s Hexagonal Matchday 3, when unbeaten Honduras, Jamaica and Panama try to keep up their form.

Mexico meltdown as USA remain cool

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:02:00 GMT

Matchday two of CONCACAF's Hexagonal qualifying for Brazil 2014 proved to be typically tight as USA edged Costa Rica in the snow, while Mexico wilted in the Honduran heat and Jamaica frittered away a lead to draw with Panama.

Costa Rica confirmed as hosts

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Acting on fresh guarantees made by the government and a favourable CONCACAF report, the FIFA Executive Committee has decided to reinstate Costa Rica as the hosts of next year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Take two for New World giants

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:49:00 GMT

With only a point to share between them, CONCACAF giants USA and Mexico get back to qualifying action this week, with the pressure on to find their feet. FIFA.com takes a closer look at Matchday 2 of the Hexagonal stage.

Guzan and the long wait

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:37:00 GMT

With injury forcing No1 Tim Howard out, USA's Brad Guzan is thrust into the limelight for the upcoming qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico. He talks to FIFA.com about playing the waiting game for club and country.

Mexico dominate New World four

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:12:00 GMT

Mexico were crowned CONCACAF youth champions for the 12th time on Sunday, and will be joined at Turkey 2013 by runners-up USA and new boys El Salvador and Cuba.

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2014 to be relocated

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:33:00 GMT

Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances leading to a heavy delay in stadium constructions the Costa Rica Football Federation decided to withdraw from hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014.

Saborio: We’ve got what it takes to reach Brazil

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:10:00 GMT

Costa Rica and Real Salt Lake forward Alvaro Saborio, the leading scorer in the CONCACAF Zone qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his country's qualification chances.

150,000 young people to benefit in 2013

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:29:00 GMT

FIFA’s support of football-related social development programmes is by no means restricted to the African continent, with the 20 Centres for 2010 campaign forming just part of the globally active Football for Hope initiative.

History as Cuba qualify alongside USA

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:29:00 GMT

Cuba will feature in their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup after qualifying at the expense of Costa Rica, while continental powerhouse USA return to the world stage after defeating Canada.

Jamaican joy as USA, Mexico suffer

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:42:00 GMT

USA lost on the road in Honduras, while Mexico were held at the Azteca by plucky Jamaica. FIFA.com wraps up all the action as the Hexagonal is up and running.

Sextet prepare for Hexagonal battle

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:12:00 GMT

Mexico, USA, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama and Honduras are all in action on Wednesday as CONCACAF’s notorious final ‘Hexagonal’ qualifying round kicks off.

Perez: The time is now for Panama

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:53:00 GMT

Panama international striker Blas Perez speaks to FIFA.com about his career with the national side, the current state of the squad and his hopes for the remainder of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers.

Costa Rica crowned again, Belize make history

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:26:00 GMT

Costa Rica became Copa Centroamericana champions for the first time since 2007 but the fairy tale of the tournament was underdogs Belize, who booked their first ever trip to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Navas: Things are being done the right way

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:41:00 GMT

Costa Rica are preparing to take on Panama next Wednesday in a crunch Brazil 2014 qualifier, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas in confident mood that Los Ticos are hitting form at just the right time.

Cruz: I love fresh challenges

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:24:00 GMT

Since arriving in France, Shirley Cruz has won all she could with Olympique Lyon, but having now joined Paris Saint-Germain the Costa Rican midfielder tells FIFA.com that she is out to enjoy a new era in her career.

Guimaraes: Past lessons must be learned

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats with Costa Rica's two-time FIFA World Cup™ coach Alexandre Guimaraes about his new career at Tianjin Teda, Los Ticos hopes for Brazil 2014 and more.

Mexico rule roost in CONCACAF’s 2012

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:51:00 GMT

Mexico won all six of their games in the semi-final round of 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, and they will join USA, Jamaica, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica in the hunt for places at Brazil 2014 in the New Year.

Costa Rica ready for World Cup duties

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:06:00 GMT

The logo and mascot of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014 have been unveiled at the official presentation to launch the fourth edition of the tournament.

Brazilian futsal kings reign supreme

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 04:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the action from Thailand 2012, where A Seleção clinched the world title for a fifth time after overcoming old foes Spain in the final.

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.

Pride over pain for departing teams

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 19:16:00 GMT

FIFA.com gathers reaction from the teams who fell at the first hurdle at Thailand 2012, with every one seemingly ready to accentuate the positive.

Hexagonal fixtures confirmed in CONCACAF

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:23:00 GMT

The fixtures for final six-team (Hexagonal) round of Brazil 2014 qualifying in CONCACAF are now known, with USA opening against Honduras on the road and Mexico hosting Jamaica.

Trio advance, nervous wait for hosts

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back on a day that brought joy for Japan, Paraguay and Portugal, and which left Thailand facing an anxious wait before learning if they have qualified for the last 16.

Ukraine progress, Costa Rica out

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:32:00 GMT

A comfortable 6-1 victory for Ukraine over Costa Rica helped the European side reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

D-day for hosts and other hopefuls

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:58:00 GMT

Thailand face a win-or-bust clash with Paraguay as we approach the final round of group matches, while Portugal and Japan are battling it out to join Brazil in going through from Group C.

Brazilian magic on day of comebacks

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Brazil cruised past Libya to become the first team through to the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 Round of 16, while Japan and Costa Rica staged thrilling fightbacks. FIFA.com reviews day four.

Classy Cubillo inspires Ticos fightback

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 11:37:00 GMT

Edwin Cubillo produced a magnificent performance, and two superb goals, as Costa Rica battled back from two goals down to beat Paraguay 6-3.

Last 16 in sight for group leaders

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 02:46:00 GMT

Brazil, Portugal and Thailand can advance to the last 16 with a game to spare if they see off Libya, Japan and Ukraine respectively in Groups A and C.

Goals and fans abound on opening day

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:06:00 GMT

FIFA.com summarises the exciting and goal-filled matches in Nahkon Ratchasima and Bangkok that kicked-off the seventh edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup .

Hosts beat Costa Rica to go top

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Suphawut Thueanklang, Keattiyot Chalaemkhet and Jirawat Sornwichian were on target as Thailand have moved to the top of Group A with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica at the Huamark Indoor Stadium.

Meet the Ronaldinho of futsal

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:59:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks to Costa Rica's futsal master Diego Zuniga, who is hoping to guide Los Ticos far with his sumptuous skills at the upcoming world showpiece in Thailand.

Holders, hosts get the party started

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:51:00 GMT

The highlights of the opening day's action at Thailand 2012 include the hosts' meeting with Costa Rica, and a clash between Japan and reigning champions Brazil.

Who will claim the futsal crown?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:22:00 GMT

As Thailand 2012 draws ever closer, we want to know which team you think will lift the trophy on 18 November.

Thailand ready for flair, flicks and tricks

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 03:06:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012, where 24 countries will fight for the title between 1 and 18 November, including the respective world and European champions: Brazil and Spain.

Squads announced for futsal showpiece

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:33:00 GMT

Star names such as Falcao, Kike and Kazu Miura feature among the 336 players announced today in the squad lists for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

Joy of six in CONCACAF

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:14:00 GMT

USA, Jamaica, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica all got the results they needed to join mighty Mexico in the final six-team hexagonal round of CONCACAF qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Moment of truth for CONCACAF pack

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:48:00 GMT

Five teams will join in-form Mexico in the final six-team hexagonal round of CONCACAF qualifying for Brazil 2014 after a tense set of games on Tuesday night. FIFA.com previews what promises to be a nail-biting evening.

Relief for USA as Ticos resurrect campaign

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:48:00 GMT

On a night when Panama and El Salvador failed to book early passage to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, USA and Costa Rica claimed crucial wins on the road.

All on the line in CONCACAF

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:23:00 GMT

Jurgen Klinsmann's struggling USA need to keep their nerve on Friday, while El Salvador and Panama will aim to join Mexico in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Alas: Maturity the key to beating Costa Rica

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:05:00 GMT

El Salvador captain Dennis Alas spoke to FIFA.com ahead of his side’s crunch Brazil 2014 qualifier against Costa Rica on his hopes for making the CONCACAF hexagonal round and the FIFA World Cup™.