FIFA.com - News

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.

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.

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.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 06:19:00 GMT

FIFA.com's regular feature on upcoming birthdays for the week includes Davor Suker, Gregory Coupet, Toni Kroos, Heather O'Reilly and others.

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.

Lee Keunho crowned Asian player of the year

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:28:00 GMT

Ulsan Hyundai star Lee Keunho was crowned as Asian footballer of the year, having helped his side to an unbeaten run to lift the AFC Champions League.

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.

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.

Joy for hosts on day of surprises

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the action from the final day of group matches, which brought joy for hosts Thailand as the results conspired to see them through the last 16.

Kuwait fall short despite beating Egypt

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:44:00 GMT

Kuwait have crashed out of the FIFA Futsal World Cup despite causing a major upset with a 4-1 win over an Egypt side who nonetheless advance as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.

Pride in defeat for history boy Alfarsi

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:20:00 GMT

Ahmad Alfarsi became the first player to score more than one goal for Kuwait in a World Cup match on Tuesday, but he told FIFA.com that it was his team's achievements that gave him greater satisfaction.

Race for the knockout stages

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 03:08:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to the ninth day of action at Thailand 2012, which will decide the fate of the teams in Groups E and F.

European duo take their places

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:39:00 GMT

Day six of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 saw Russia and Serbia book their places in the next round. FIFA.com takes you through all the action from the Thai capital.

Serbia sink Kuwait to qualify

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:37:00 GMT

Serbia have qualified for the last 16 of FIFA Futsal World Cup with a 7-2 win over Kuwait at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium.

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.

Introductions aplenty as Thailand 2012 heats up

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 03:50:00 GMT

A top-of-the-table clash between Russia and Guatemala headlines the sixth day of action at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012.

Joy and pain for futsal first-timers

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:49:00 GMT

While Russia enjoyed a comfortable win over Solomon Islands on the third day of action at Thailand 2012, there were mixed results for several tournament newcomers.

Czechs edge Kuwait

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Czech Republic have taken the early initiative in Group E at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, surviving a late rally from Kuwait to win 3-2 at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium.

Newcomers, veterans eye winning starts

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 03:22:00 GMT

Colombia, Kuwait and Serbia are all preparing to make their FIFA Futsal World Cups on day three of Thailand 2012, while Russia renew acquaintances with the Solomon Islands.

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.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup in numbers

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 02:58:00 GMT

As Thailand 2012 draws ever closer, FIFA.com looks at some of the futsal showpiece's most eye-catching figures and statistics.

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.

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.

Uzbekistan youngsters create history

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:59:00 GMT

Uzbekistan, having already secured passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup along with Japan, Iran and Iraq, went on to claim a slice of history by winning their first continental title at any level.

Debutants aiming high

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:07:00 GMT

With six countries set to make their maiden appearances in a FIFA Futsal World Cup, FIFA.com introduces the sextet hoping to cause a stir in Thailand in November.

Draw made for FIFA Futsal World Cup

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:40:00 GMT

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the draw for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, and the six groups were revealed at the official ceremony in Bangkok, with FIFA.com of course in attendance.

Arab teams at the Olympics

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 07:59:00 GMT

As Egypt, Morocco and United Arab Emirates prepare for their attempt at London 2012 glory, FIFA.com recalls the history of Arab nations in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Arab ambitions for Turkey 2013

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at some of the sides taking part in the Arab U-20 Championship in Jordan and gauges their hopes of reaching next year's U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

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.

Two months of FIFA development: April-May 2012

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com provides the highlights, points of note and status of FIFA development programmmes all over the world from April and May 2012.

Japan take AFC title in tournament of surprises

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:17:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the AFC Futsal Championship 2012 in the United Arab Emirates, a tournament which captured the imagination throughout and ended with a triumph for Japan.

Asian giants seal Futsal spots

Tue, 29 May 2012 18:42:00 GMT

Iran, Japan, Australia and Kuwait will be the four Asian representatives along with hosts Thailand at the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup after sealing their places at the 2012 AFC Futsal Championship.

AFC's finest chasing Thailand 2012 places

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Four tickets to the FIFA Futsal World Cup will be up for grabs when Asia's 16 best sides meet in the 2012 AFC Futsal Championship this week. FIFA.com previews the tournament.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 20 May 2012 09:32:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Parreira: Volunteers do a vital job

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:11:00 GMT

Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira visited a volunteers’ seminar in Manaus last week and gave his views on the part they have to play at Brazil 2014.

Silverware and stuttering leaders

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of club action across Asia and Oceania looks at stumbles for the leaders in Iran, Japan and Korea Republic, while at the other end of the spectrum new kings were crowned in Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon.

Relief, records and goalkeeping greatness

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:51:00 GMT

This week, the end of Fernando Torres' mammoth scoring drought features alongside Lionel's Messi's Barcelona record, Bayern Munich's free-scoring form, and goalkeeping feats from Nawaf Al Khaldi and Samir Handanovic.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:45:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

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.

Korea Republic edge plucky Kuwait

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Korea Republic have seen off Kuwait with two second-half goals to book their place in the final group round of Asian Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

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.

Kwak: We can’t afford to lose

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with newly appointed Korea Republic skipper Kwak Tae-Hwi who says failure in the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Kuwait is unthinkable as the Taeguk Warriors face the prospect of an early exit.