FIFA.com - News

Zaidan backing Iraq to spring a surprise

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with Iraq U-17 coach Muwafaq Zaidan, who hopes his side will be able to emulate previous Iraqi successes on the youth level at this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013.

Karrar: A dream come true

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:57:00 GMT

Iraq's Mohanad Karrar, player of the Tournament at the AFC U-19 Championship, sat down with FIFA.com to talk about Turkey and his dreams for the future.

Formidable tasks await first-timers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT

There are five teams competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League for the first time, and all face tough challenges. FIFA.com previews the action in Asia's top club competition.

Syrian football thriving despite troubles

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:00 GMT

In a special report, FIFA.com takes a look at how football in Syria is flourishing, despite the troubles affecting the country as a WAFF championship win has spurred players and coaches to new challenges.

Taylor expecting big things in Turkey

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:59:00 GMT

With England set to face Egypt, Iraq and Chile at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Young Lions coach Peter Taylor is expecting no easy ride, but he told FIFA.com he is full of confidence about the spectacle on show at Turkey 2013.

New stars rise on Asian scene

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at a handful of young stars who are making an ever-increasing impact in Asian football at both club and international level.

Anticipation coupled with ambition

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at all the reaction after a glittering FIFA U-20 World Cup draw in Istanbul laid out the path to glory for 24 nations at Turkey 2013.

Hosts face CONMEBOL champs, France meet Spain

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:57:00 GMT

In the Final Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, hosts Turkey were drawn in the same group as El Salvador, Australia and South American champions Colombia, while France meet Spain and USA in a competitive Group A.

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.

Struggling China PR seek qualifying rebound

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:43:00 GMT

A number of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers will take place over the weekend highlighted by out-of-form China PR hosting Iraq, while Saudi Arabia visit Indonesia.

Executive Committee strongly backs further governance reforms and strengthens fight against racism and discrimination

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:17:00 GMT

Chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee held its first meeting of the year at the Home of FIFA in Zurich over the last two days.

Radhi: I’m not obsessed with scoring goals

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:14:00 GMT

Emerging striker Amjed Radhi speaks to FIFA.com about the secret of his success, being compared to Iraqi greats and his desire to help the nation qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Trio stay perfect as surprises abound

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up this week’s AFC Champions League action with just three teams maintaining a 100 per cent record after two rounds as Asia’s premier club competition again displayed its highly competitive nature.

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.

Shakir: We have a great responsibility

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:16:00 GMT

In a full-length, exclusive interview, we speak to Iraq U-20 coach Hakeem Shakir about his aspirations for his promising young team and their success in Asia.

Asia’s aspirants eye long path to glory

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:18:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League begins this weekend with the preliminary round kick-starting a nine-month campaign in Asia’s premier club competition. FIFA.com previews the key match-ups.

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.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 05:59:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com brings you some of the biggest names on Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

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.

Shakir given full-time Iraq role

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:52:00 GMT

Hakim Shakir has been promoted to full-time head coach of the Iraqi national team, the Asian Football Confederation said Sunday.

Young stars who lit up Asian showcase

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the gifted prodigies who turned heads at the AFC U-19 Championship and who will be keen to impress again at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey next summer.

Japan cruise as giants flounder

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT

2012 witnessed the decisive fourth round of qualifying in the Asian Zone for Brazil 2014. It's Japan who appear to be in the strongest position, while Australia will look to make home advantage count during the next calendar year.

Syrians savour historic success

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:47:00 GMT

History has often proved that some of the greatest triumphs can emerge from adversity. This was echoed when the Syrian national team won the West Asian Football Federation Championship for the very first time.

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.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 07:47:00 GMT

As is tradition at FIFA.com, Sunday is when we look ahead to a week of birthdays across Planet Football, this week including five veterans of the FIFA World Cup™ with a combined total of eight appearances between them.

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.

Turks targeting full houses

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:23:00 GMT

Legendary midfielder Robert Prosinecki has launched the tickets sales for what promises to be a memorable FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Iraq smile again

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:16:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at Iraq's Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign to date, with the former Asian champions revitalised by a much-needed win over Jordan earlier this month.

Koreans shine as quartet reach Turkey

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 10:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up the AFC U-19 Championship, where Korea Republic were crowned champions, booking tickets to Turkey 2013 along with Iraq, Uzbekistan and Australia.

Victories excite Asian media

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com collects all of the reaction and comments from around Asia following the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to take place across the region.

Trio celebrate as Iran stumble

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:09:00 GMT

Japan took a giant step toward early qualification for Brazil 2014, while Qatar and Iraq also picked up positive results on a night when Uzbekistan inflicted a rare home defeat on Iran.

Ahmed keeps Iraqi dream alive

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:52:00 GMT

A late goal from Hammadi Ahmed saw Iraq's chances of reaching Brazil 2014 given a timely boost as they saw off Jordan 1-0 to keep their destiny in their own hands with three games to go.

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.

Familiar foes reunite in Asian showdowns

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in Asia as the final round reaches beyond the midway point, with a crucial matchday highlighted by Iran hosting Uzbekistan, and Japan travelling to Oman.

Asian quartet book Turkey berth

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:18:00 GMT

Australia, Iraq, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan will represent Asia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 after reaching the semi-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship.

Argentina climb third, Italy and Russia rise

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:59:00 GMT

Argentina jumped to third on the global ladder at Portugal’s expense, while Italy and Russia moved to fifth and ninth respectively. Elsewhere, six teams reached their highest-ever position.

Kuwait SC again claim AFC Cup glory to deny Arbil

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Kuwait SC were crowned AFC Cup champions for the second time in four years with a one-sided 4-0 win over Arbil at the Iraqi club's Francouse Al Hareeri Stadium.

Asian youngsters primed for test

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:42:00 GMT

The AFC U-19 Championship begins in United Arab Emirates tomorrow with four places at the FIFA U-20 World Cup up for grabs as well as continental glory.

Star recruits excel as frontrunners eye glory

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club football looks at some potentially title-deciding results in Japan, China PR and Uzbekistan, while the big-name recruits stole the headlines in Australia.

Arbil favourites to retain crown

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:03:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to the new Iraq league season as several of the country's heavyweight clubs mount a challenge against reigning champions Arbil.

Asian press reflect on crucial results

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Tim Cahill, Archie Thompson and their fellow Socceroos came in for praise in Australia following their victory in Iraq, while Oman received the plaudits for a decisive victory and Qatar were urged to determine what went wrong against Uzbekistan.

Strugglers taste first wins in Asia

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:24:00 GMT

Late goals and drama marked Asia's matchday 5, with a trio of struggling sides reigniting their hopes with opening wins as the final qualifying round reached the crucial halfway point.

Socceroos fightback stuns Iraq

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:39:00 GMT

Late goals from Tim Cahill and Archie Thompson snatched Australia a 2-1 comeback win away to Iraq that lifted them second in Group B.

Schwarzer: We must step up against Iraq

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:58:00 GMT

Following their 2-1 defeat to Jordan in their last FIFA World Cup™ qualifying match, Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer feels the experienced members of their side must step up against Iraq.

Familiar foes take centre stage

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:20:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 reaches its halfway point on Tuesday with a series of crucial matches in both groups, headlined by Korea Republic’s visit to Iran, and Iraq facing Australia.