FIFA.com - News

Thrills aplenty as Brazil, Italy advance

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:47:58 GMT

Neymar wowed a vibrant crowd in Fortaleza as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0, while Italy recovered a two-goal deficit to edge Japan in an unforgettable seven-goal thriller at Recife's Arena Pernambuco.

Tahiti with it all to do against Spain

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:38:03 GMT

Reigning world and European champions Spain face Tahiti, whose 23-man squad includes just one professional player in Marama Vahirua, on Matchday 2 in Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

Fabregas: Barça's made me better

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:35:00 GMT

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has told FIFA.com that his August 2011 move to Barcelona from Arsenal has helped him to become a better player and a regular starter for La Furia Roja.

Thiago hat-trick sees Spain retain U-21 title

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Thiago Alcantara scored a hat-trick to ensure Spain retained their European Under-21 title in Jerusalem on Tuesday with a 4-2 win over Italy.

Puyol to undergo further knee surgery

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is to undergo knee surgery to remove a cyst, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Oduamadi and Balotelli hit the ground running

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:13:00 GMT

Forwards Nnamdi Oduamadi and Mario Balotelli head the Castrol Index after the first round of group games but that does not tell the whole story, with a cluster of defenders impressing too.

Owen: I’m proud I was at the top so long

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:21:00 GMT

In an intriguingly honest interview with FIFA.com, Michael Owen admits he was never the same player after sustaining a hamstring injury as a 19-year-old and discusses his successes, regrets and future in the game.

Soldado: Confeds perfect end to season

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks to Roberto Soldado, who made up for previous disappointments with Spain by taking advantage of his opportunity and scoring against Uruguay.

Pirlo the peerless, Spain sublime

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:59:00 GMT

On the second matchday of the FIFA Confederations Cup, there was a masterclass of the art of free-kick taking from centurion Andrea Pirlo and Uruguay's Luis Suarez, but only the former ended up on the winning side.

Dominant Spain down Uruguay

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:55:00 GMT

Spain beat Uruguay 2-1 in the opening game in Group B of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup thanks to first half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:53:00 GMT

We look ahead to another week of birthdays across the footballing world, this week including Portugal coach Paulo Bento as well as international goalkeepers Faryd Mondragon and Noor Sabri.

Del Bosque talks Casillas, Xavi eyes missing title

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:39:00 GMT

Vicente Del Bosque has discussed a troublesome period for Iker Casillas, who has weighed in on his match-fitness. Xavi, meanwhile, has rued Spain's disappointment in South Africa in 2009.

Trio of world champions join the fray

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:24:00 GMT

Reigning world champions Spain take on inaugural FIFA World Cup™ winners Uruguay, while four-time world champions Italy battle Mexico as FIFA.com previews the second day of FIFA Confederations Cup action.

Martinez: We can't make mistakes

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:12:00 GMT

After enjoying a breakthrough season with the all-conquering Bayern Munich, Spain midfielder Javi Martinez tells FIFA.com he is now aiming to help the world champions to glory at Brazil 2013.

Mata ignoring Chelsea exit reports

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:01:00 GMT

Juan Mata has played down talk Jose Mourinho wants to shift him out of Chelsea and insisted he is 'very happy' at Stamford Bridge.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:03:18 GMT

Featuring Simun Samuelsen on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bad behaviour, Jose Mourinho on how he was Barcelona’s nemesis and Giovanni Trapattoni comparing the current Spain team to the Brazil one of Pele and Co.

Pellegrini: City will play attractive football

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:30:00 GMT

Manuel Pellegrini has outlined the importance of his experience and insisted Manchester City will play adventurous football and win trophies.

The FIFA Confederations Cup in quotes

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:48 GMT

FIFA.com looks back over some of the most memorable quotations in the history of the FIFA Confederations Cup ahead of the action beginning in Brazil for the 2013 edition.

Malaga sign Schuster as coach

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:55:00 GMT

Former Real Madrid coach and La Liga star Bernd Schuster will take the reins at Malaga from Manuel Pellegrini on a five-year contract, the club announced on Friday.

The story of the Confeds

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:09:00 GMT

Eager to know more about how the FIFA Confederations Cup came into being? Our quick historical guide takes you from the King Fahd Cup in 1992 right through to the present day.

Netzer: Guardiola will give Bundesliga fresh impetus

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:06:00 GMT

Gunter Netzer has backed Pep Guardiola to further improve Bayern Munich and explained why his arrival will benefit the Bundsliga as a whole.

Sevilla: Rusescu hasn't come to replace Negredo

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:48:00 GMT

Sevilla have insisted new signing Raul Rusescu was not bought as a replacement for Alvaro Negredo, who has been linked with a move away from the club.

Cavani favours Real ahead of England

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:41:00 GMT

Edinson Cavani's father has revealed that the Napoli striker is very keen on joining Real Madrid and that he has already spoken to the Spanish giants.

Fiorentina sign Joaquin from Malaga

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Experienced winger Joaquin has left Malaga to pen a three-year contract with Fiorentina, who finished fourth in Serie A last term.

Liverpool agree Aspas deal

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:23:00 GMT

Liverpool have made their second signing this summer after the club's official website announced a deal for Iago Aspas of Spanish side Celta Vigo had been completed.

FIFA Confederations Cup in numbers

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

The FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 will be the ninth edition of the tournament. Here, FIFA.com picks out nine key stats as Saturday’s opening match draws ever closer.

Powers embark on cup quest

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:15:50 GMT

Multiple trophy winners Spain and Uruguay face off in Group B as they begin their respective bids to win the one major piece of silverware still to elude them.

Confed captains ready to inspire

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the captains of the eight teams at this year's FIFA Confederations Cup and highlights what exactly makes them the leaders of their respective teams.

Senna ends 11-year stay at Villarreal

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:14:00 GMT

Fresh from helping Villarreal gain promotion to the Spanish top flight, veteran midfielder Marcos Senna has left the club to move to the USA.

Del Bosque: Spain are confident

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:54:00 GMT

Vicente Del Bosque has discussed Spain's 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland and their hopes of success at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Spain tune-up with win over resilient Irish

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:13:00 GMT

Spain, in their last match prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup, needed a pair of second-half goals before subduing Republic of Ireland in front of a large crowd at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Navas completes City move

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:27:00 GMT

Spain winger Jesus Navas has completed his move to Manchester City from Sevilla with reports suggesting the initial fee for the FIFA World Cup winner is £14.9m.

A festival of nicknames

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at the story behind some of the intriguing nicknames and monikers used by the eight nations at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

Real make Casemiro deal permanent

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:48:00 GMT

Real Madrid have announced that they will be signing Brazil international Casemiro on a four-year contract after he impressed while on loan from Sao Paulo.

Mourinho: I'm the happy one

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:22:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has compared himself to how he was in his first spell at Chelsea, discussed his relationship with Roman Abramovich and backed the Blues to succeed.

Memorable moments from the Festival of Champions

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:15:00 GMT

FIFA.com presents some of the most memorable moments from the Festival of Champions.

Courtois flying high for club and country

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 18:37:00 GMT

Following a dream season at Atletico, young custodian Thibaut Courtois is also shining in the colours of Belgium and is en route to emulating the likes of Pfaff and Preud’homme.

Guam pair chase down Messi

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:43:00 GMT

Lionel Messi scored a quite remarkable 46 league goals in the 2012/13 season, but a couple of players in a remote part of the world almost matched him. FIFA.com caught up with Guam’s Scott Spindel and Ashton Surber.

Villarreal secure La Liga return

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 20:26:00 GMT

Jonathan Pereira's goal was enough to secure Villarreal's promotion from the Segunda Division to La Liga at the first attempt, following a 1-0 win over Almeria.

Resino to leave Celta

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:33:00 GMT

Celta Vigo have announced they have parted company with coach Abel Resino, despite the club narrowly escaping La Liga relegation on the final day of the season.

Del Bosque: Casillas ready to play

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:29:00 GMT

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said that Iker Casillas is fit and desperate to play for his country, while Fernando Torres has said Spain want to complete their trophy collection with the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Contests, games and prizes for June!

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:50:00 GMT

As you prepare to watch the champions of the confederations clash in Brazil, get ready for your own battle right here on FIFA.com. We are giving away incredible prizes in June.

Bielsa to leave Bilbao

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia has confirmed that coach Marcelo Bielsa will not have his contract renewed when it expires at the end of this month.

Arrasate appointed new Sociedad coach

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Jagoba Arrasate has been appointed as Real Sociedad's youngest ever coach following the departure of Philippe Montanier to Rennes, club president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed.

Brazil 2013 squads revealed

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com can exclusively reveal the official 23-man squads for the eight participants of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 which takes place between 15 and 30 June in six iconic venues across the country.

Crunch time for Portugal in Europe

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:09:00 GMT

Russia's trip to face an under-pressure Portugal side is arguably the highlight of an intriguing programme of European Zone qualifiers on Friday, which also includes Belgium-Serbia, Czech Republic-Italy and Austria-Sweden.

Brazil dealt challenge in Tahiti 2013 draw

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:38:00 GMT

The Tahiti 2013 draw has thrown up a number of intriguing match-ups, notably for the host nation and also four-time world champions Brazil.

Road to Tahiti 2013 glory revealed

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:28:00 GMT

The pathway to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 has been unveiled following the Official Draw held at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, with four-time world champions Brazil dealt a tough challenge.

Del Bosque concerned about striker options

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:33:00 GMT

Ahead of this summer's FIFA Confederations Cup, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is concerned about his striking options as the world champions build up to the defence of their crown in Brazil.

Neymar, Falcao star in early transfer action

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:05:36 GMT

The curtain may have just come down on Europe’s major leagues, but many clubs are already preparing for next season. Several have made their intentions clear, by pulling off some eye-catching deals. FIFA.com rounds up the main moves noted across the continent,