FIFA.com - News

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.

Fakhreddine: We need more support

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:30:00 GMT

Darine Fakhreddine excels between the posts for Lebanon's football and futsal women's teams, representing a beacon of hope for gender equality in the Middle East through football.

Coaches relishing Asian match-ups

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:45:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the reaction from some of the coaches and officials who were on hand at AFC House to witness the draw for Asia's final qualifying round for Brazil 2014.

Familiar foes reunited en route to Brazil

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:53:00 GMT

The pitting of Korea Republic and Iran, two well-established Asian rivals, in Group A is sure to make for an intriguing spectacle, while Uzbekistan are lurking as the section's likely dark horses.

Asia's final round takes shape

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:46:00 GMT

The final round of qualifying in Asia for Brazil 2014 has finally taken shape, with ten teams learning the challenges that await when the final-round draw took place at AFC House.

Promotion joy to top-tier glory

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:52:00 GMT

Some of the best footballing triumphs are sweetest when least expected. FIFA.com takes a look at a number of promoted sides, who upon their return to their country's first division, sprung a surprise and went on to win the title.

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.

Unfancied trio turns heads in Asia

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:40:00 GMT

There was no shortage of surprises in Round Three of Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014, with outsiders Jordan, Lebanon and Oman among the ten teams to reach the final phase.

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.

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.

Asia's top guns ready to fire

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Eight Asian teams remain in contention for four remaining berths to Round Four of Brazil 2014 qualifying and some veteran goalscorers are aiming to rise to the occasion.

Moghrabi: Lebanon has the spirit

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:10:00 GMT

Influential midfielder Akram Moghrabi talks to FIFA.com about Lebanon's amazing form so far in Brazil 2014 qualifying and the side's crucial upcoming clash with UAE.

Tufegdzic: Nothing is impossible

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:59:00 GMT

Goran Tufegdzic speaks to FIFA.com about his Kuwait team’s final third-round qualifier in Korea Republic, which they need to win to keep their Brazil 2014 hopes alive, and their preparations for the make-or-break clash.

Lebanon trio out to make history

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:42:00 GMT

Following a 3-1 win in the UAE last September, the club careers of Yousef Mohamed, Hassan Maatouk and Abbas Atwi changed for the better. Now the three are hoping to make history for their country.

Leaders pull clear amid upsets

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:48:00 GMT

Some unexpected results helped Central Coast Mariners and Lekhwiya improve their leads in Australia and Qatar respectively, while it was a good weekend for Kuwait’s Al-Jahra and Nejmeh of Lebanon.

Shocks sprung in 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:22:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the teams who have caused major surprises this past year, including American Samoa, Uruguay, the Japanese women, Al-Sadd and Basel.

Captains dominate Asian scene

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:11:00 GMT

The likes of Server Djeparov, Younis Mahmoud and Park Chu-Young have been in inspirational form during Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 while donning the captain’s armband, proving that a good skipper leads from the front.

Bucker’s magic prescription lifts Lebanon

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:51:00 GMT

Lebanon’s stunning 2014 FIFA World Cup™ form has seen Theo Bucker’s charges make an equally dramatic improvement on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Bucker, Antar revel in Lebanese success

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMT

Theo Bucker has expressed his joy at Lebanon’s upset of Korea Republic but warned his charges they cannot take a place in the next phase for granted, while captain Roda Antar has backed the team to complete the job.

Press reflects on differing fortunes

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The last two matchdays in Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 provided upsets and drama in equal measure. FIFA.com looks at the reaction of media across the continent.

Four spots left in Asia

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:18:00 GMT

The window of opportunity to reach the next stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification continues to get smaller in Asia, with only four berths remaining after Australia, Iran and Iraq all sealed their passage.

Lebanon rock Korea Republic

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

Lebanon produced a surprise result in overcoming Korea Republic 2-1 to join their opponents at the top of Group B in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Scores to settle on fifth matchday

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to Matchday 5 of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, when the likes of Australia, Iraq, Korea Republic and Qatar will be aiming to book their place in the next round.

Three through, five out in Asia

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:07:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a matchday on which Japan, Uzbekistan and Jordan sealed berths in the fourth round and the hopes of Indonesia, Korea DPR, Singapore, Tajikistan and United Arab Emirates were ended.

Quartet well placed, five stare at abyss

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Friday’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Asia where four nations can sew up their passage to the next stage, including what would be a historic moment for Jordan.

China's Brazil dreams on a knife-edge

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:56:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ continues on Friday with China PR on the brink of elimination, while the continent's elite are well placed with two further matchdays to come.

Ali: Lebanon game will be decisive

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:13:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke to Waleed Ali about winning his 100^th cap, the upcoming clash with Lebanon and the progress football has made in Kuwait in recent years.

Asian heavyweights nearly there

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:53:00 GMT

Asia’s top sides ran riot today in qualifying for Brazil 2014, with Japan going goal crazy against the Tajiks while Australia and Iran also had comfortable evenings.

Asian favourites seek dominance

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:28:00 GMT

The halfway mark of Asia’s third qualifying round for Brazil 2014 features a number of potentially decisive match-ups with Iran against Bahrain, and China's match-up with Iraq, amongst the highlights.

Antar: Lebanon can spring a surprise

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:10:00 GMT

Lebanon captain Roda Antar spoke with FIFA.com about his side's potential after a stunning win over United Arab Emirates in Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 and his developing captaincy role under new coach Theo Bucker.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:22:00 GMT

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

Favourites shocked across Asia

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:00 GMT

It was a night of shocks and surprises in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as China lost out and Japan, Korea Republic and Iran were all held to draws.

Test two for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:24:00 GMT

With Australia in Saudi Arabia, Japan visiting Uzbekistan and Iran making the trip to Qatar, FIFA.com previews Matchday 2 in the third round of Asian Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Cho names strong squad for opener

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:27:00 GMT

Cho Kwang-Rae has named his squad for Korea Republic's first 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier against Lebanon on 2 September, including six European-based players.

Bucker: Nothing is impossible

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:59:00 GMT

Lebanon coach Theo Bucker is looking to make things as tough as possible for Korea Republic, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates during the Preliminary Competition for Brazil 2014.

Korea Republic face familiar foes

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:55:00 GMT

Korea Republic will have a sense of déjà vu as they set out to reach the FIFA World Cup for the eighth consecutive time, with Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Lebanon their opposition in Group B.

Countdown to FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:53:00 GMT

Various beach soccer events and tournaments have been taking place over the past few months as the build-up to September's FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Ravenna/Italy 2011 gathers pace.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Singapore celebrated, while China PR were among the biggest winners as the final places in Asia's third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers were decided. FIFA.com rounds up the action.

China score six, Saudis hit five

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Asia's big guns in the preliminary qualification for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ saw their names make it into Saturday's Preliminary Draw with big wins as Saudi Arabia and China scored five and six apiece.

Asian hopefuls in do or die deciders

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Asia's second round of qualifiers reaching a climax today, with no fewer than 30 sides battling it out on the road to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. You can follow the action live on FIFA.com.

Asian favourites draw first blood

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia, which saw the traditional favourites take an advantage over their underdog opponents.

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:55:00 GMT

Some intriguing second round, first legs are in store, with Kuwait-Philippines, Qatar-Vietnam, Singapore-Malaysia and United Arab Emirates-India catching the eye.

Nagoya Oceans crowned Futsal champions

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Nagoya Oceans were crowned AFC Futsal champions as they overcame their Asian rivals during last week's competition in Doha, Qatar, beating Iran's Shahid Mansouri in the final 3-2 in extra time.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Australia were among the AFC heavyweights who coasted through to the final round of qualifiers for London 2012, while the likes of Oman and Malaysia sprung major surprises.

Rovers salvage draw, Nasaf take control

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:37:00 GMT

Aleksandar Duric scored a late equaliser for Tampines Rovers to draw 1-1 with Hanoi T&T in the AFC Cup, while Teerasil Dangda scored for a dramatic Muang Thong United 1-0 win over Victory SC.

Asia/Oceania Leagues review

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:47:00 GMT

The season began in China PR with a series of upsets, while Daejeon Citizen broke a long drought by going top in Korea Republic. FIFA.com also visits Iran, Kuwait and New Zealand, as well as Lebanon where the title was won.

Brazil 2014 draw stirs Asian hopefuls

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Asian qualifying draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which has thrown up a host of intriguing match-ups as some of the continents smaller footballing nations seek a share of the spotlight.

Asia's Brazil 2014 draw made

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMT

The AFC has conducted the draw for Asia’s first and second round qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Lebanon's Ghaddar revived in Syria

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:46:00 GMT

Lebanese striker Mohamad Ghaddar speaks to FIFA.com about rediscovering his form with Syrian's Teshrin after a frustrating spell on the sidelines in Egypt with Al Ahly.

Gaining acceptance in new frontiers

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:50:00 GMT

Although the FIFA Women's World Cup™ has yet to include a team from the Middle East, cultural barriers continue to be broken in the development of women's football within the Arab world.