FIFA.com - News

Familiar kings Auckland do it the hard way

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:38:00 GMT

Auckland City may have achieved an unprecedented third successive crown but they had to fight off a variety of challengers to do so and triumph in the new-look OFC Champions League.

Wellington sign former Victory coach Merrick

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:26:00 GMT

Two-time A-League championship winning coach Ernie Merrick has been appointed to the helm of Wellington Phoenix in the wake of Ricki Herbert's departure in February.

Auckland City again crowned Oceania kings

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:59:00 GMT

Auckland City have once again won through to the FIFA Club World Cup after claiming the OFC Champions League for the third year in succession following a 2-1 win over New Zealand champions Waitakere United.

History beckons in Oceania

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:34:00 GMT

This weekend’s OFC Champions League final is shaping as a classic encounter with holders Auckland City facing cross-town rivals Waitakere United in a meeting of the continent’s two most successful clubs.

Development boost for the women’s game in Oceania

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:33:00 GMT

Each of Oceania’s Member Associations were in attendance this week for the FIFA/OFC Women’s Football Development Seminar with collaborative growth of the game in the region a key focus.

Kiwi pair win through to decider

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:23:00 GMT

The OFC Champions League final will be contested between two sides from the same country for the first time after New Zealand champions Waitakere United and continental holders Auckland City both won through to next weekend’s decider.

Record crowd sees Zurich defend title

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:33:00 GMT

In front of more than 14,000 fans, the 75th edition of the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup once again served up top-class football. FC Zurich successfully defended their crown after comfortably beating Botafogo FR 5-0 in the final.

Rojas signs for Stuttgart

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:53:00 GMT

Stuttgart have sealed the signing of Australian A-League player of the year Marco Rojas, with the former Melbourne Victory star and New Zealand set to join on a free transfer.

Brockie set for Toronto spell

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:55:00 GMT

New Zealand and Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie has agreed to a three-month loan deal at MLS club Toronto FC, the side coached by former All Whites team-mate Ryan Nelsen.

Kiwis remain perfect in Oceania

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:56:00 GMT

New Zealand are set to continue a growing affinity with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE later this year after winning the qualifying tournament last week. FIFA.com reviews the six-nation Oceania championship in Vanuatu.

Champs Auckland stay alive, final four confirmed

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:50:00 GMT

Reigning champions Auckland City showed resilience to keep their OFC Champions League ambitions alive with a tense 1-1 draw at AS Dragon while Waitakere United, Ba and Amicale are also into next weekend’s semi-finals.

New Zealand book UAE berth

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:40:00 GMT

New Zealand have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the sixth time after maintaining a 100 per cent record on the final day of the qualifying competition in Vanuatu.

A-League shines in the spotlight

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:03:00 GMT

The A-League continues to grow rapidly with one of the world’s youngest leagues setting new benchmarks in another boom season propelled by the arrival of Alessandro Del Piero and a thriving new club representing a football heartland.

Oceania sextet take aim at world stage

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:22:00 GMT

Oceania’s representatives for UAE 2013 will be determined over the coming week in Vanuatu, with reigning champions New Zealand facing the challenge of five Pacific nations.

Kiwi Rojas named A-League’s best

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:54:00 GMT

Melbourne Victory forward Marco Rojas has capped a stellar season in the A-League with the New Zealand flyer being named the competition’s best player.

Rufer’s youngsters aim to be WYNRS

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:41:00 GMT

New Zealand side WYNRS will enjoy a special presence at next month’s Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup 2013 in Zurich with the academy side established by one-time Swiss top-flight player and Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer.

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.

Perfect Kiwis dominate Oceania

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the action from the Oceania qualifying tournament for Turkey 2013 with New Zealand prevailing despite some spirited competition, notably from host nation Fiji.

New route opens up for Oceania aspirants

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the upcoming OFC Champions League season which boasts a new format as eight clubs, led by reigning champions Auckland City, bid for Oceanian club supremacy.

Drama and emotion on Oceania’s World Cup path

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look back at what has been a typically fascinating odyssey for Oceania’s Brazil 2014 aspirants, with Tahiti and American Samoa enjoying breakthrough success, while New Zealand eventually secured top spot.

New Zealand book passage to Turkey

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:56:00 GMT

New Zealand are the latest team to secure a ticket to Turkey 2013 after winning the Oceania qualifying competition with a perfect record.

Payne double sinks Solomons

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:49:00 GMT

Tim Payne scored both goals as a new-look New Zealand side beat the Solomon Islands 2-0 to round off their Oceania Zone campaign in winning style.

USA complete five years at the summit

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:06:00 GMT

USA still lead the way ahead of Germany and Japan, with Brazil, France and Sweden following closely behind, in a women's ranking with only a few changes.

Late drama secures Kiwis' play-off berth

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:52:00 GMT

Tommy Smith is the toast of New Zealand after his dramatic 94th-minute goal sent the All Whites through to a play-off for a place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

New-look Kiwis eye play-off

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:34:00 GMT

New Zealand open today’s massive global schedule of Brazil 2014 qualifying with a vital home encounter against New Caledonia as the All Whites enter a new era with Winston Reid appointed captain following Ryan Nelsen’s retirement.

All on the line in the Pacific

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:28:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the conclusion to Brazil 2014 qualifying in Oceania headlined by Friday's potentially pivotal meeting between New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Hefty hauls and speedy strikes

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:30:00 GMT

Notable goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Kris Commons and Mario Balotelli feature alongside New Zealand's new record champions in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Oceania hopefuls eye Turkish odyssey

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the upcoming OFC U-20 Championship as five contenders vie for the right to represent Oceania among the globe’s elite young players at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Prolific Brockie driven by Brazil ambition

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats with New Zealand striker Jeremy Brockie who, after enduring some torrid times, is enjoying career-best form as the All Whites prepare to tackle the business-end of their Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign.

Waitakere prevail as familiar foes dominate

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:24:00 GMT

Waitakere United and Auckland City once again dominated the headlines throughout the recently concluded New Zealand domestic season, with the former completing an unprecedented run of success.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:21:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature FIFA.com looks at the footballing birthdays in the upcoming week, including three defensive greats in Alessandro Nesta, Ronald Koeman and Fernando Hierro.

England exact revenge in Cyprus

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:14:00 GMT

Some four months prior to UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in Sweden, England laid down a marker with victory over Canada in the Cyprus Cup final. FIFA.com reviews the action.

Female focus

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:42:00 GMT

Friday 8 March is International Womens Day 2013. To mark the occasion, FIFA.com presents the four candidates for the first-ever election for a female representative on the FIFA Executive Committee.

New boys sink Mariners to go top, Phoenix rise

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:13:00 GMT

It proved to be a pivotal weekend in the A-League as Western Sydney Wanderers continued their dream debut season with victory at Central Coast to go top for the first time, while struggling Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix kept their play-off hopes alive.

Bale brilliance, Parisian milestones & a big upset

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:46:00 GMT

Gareth Bale, David Beckham, Bernard, Santi Cazorla, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho feature in FIFA.com’s latest stats review, alongside an admirable run in Australia and a gargantuan shock in the United Arab Emirates.

Herbert departs struggling Phoenix

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:44:00 GMT

Ricki Herbert has ended his six-year tenure as Wellington Phoenix coach with the New Zealand national team boss saying it is time for a fresh approach at the A-League club.

New look OFC Champions League draw unveiled

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:56:00 GMT

The draw for the revamped OFC Champions League has been announced with eight clubs set to compete for a berth in May's final.

Inspection tour of New Zealand

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:09:00 GMT

A FIFA inspection group has just finished a nine city inspection visit in New Zealand for the 2015 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Toronto say Nelsen to take reins next month

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:11:00 GMT

QPR are set to lose experienced defender Ryan Nelsen earlier than they had hoped after MLS club Toronto FC announced he will join them as head coach from 1 February.

QPR's Nelsen appointed Toronto coach

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Queen's Park Rangers defender Ryan Nelsen has been appointed as the new head coach of Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, however the 35-year-old remains a player for the London club for the time being.

Bottom bests top as Sydney stun Mariners

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:49:00 GMT

Breet Emerton's late header from an Alessandro Del Piero cross secured a remarkable win for struggling Sydney FC over A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners.

Unstoppable teams continue winning ways

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 07:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com's latest review of women's club football visits Germany as three of the cup semi-finalists were determined, France where Lyon continued on their merry way, plus Australia and New Zealand as the holders retained their crown.

The sun sets on 2012

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:39:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s shows a breathtaking sight on offer to the many fans who recently visited Japan.

New look for Oceania’s elite club competition

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:28:00 GMT

The revamped format for the 2013 OFC Champions League has been confirmed with the tournament, previously known as the O-League, undergoing a change of format for the 2013 edition.

Champions prove their worth

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:11:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s latest look at women’s club football around the globe visits France, Australia, Spain and New Zealand, with reigning champions Lyon and Canberra United displaying title-winning credentials.

Williams waves goodbye after model performance

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:06:00 GMT

Auckland City’s Tamati Williams, a former fashion model, isn’t shy in the spotlight. FIFA.com caught up with him after he stole the show in his one and only game here in Japan.

Hiroshima's Aoyama keen to stay on roll

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:11:00 GMT

Sanfrecce Hiroshima's tenacious midfielder Toshihiro Aoyama speaks to FIFA.com after scoring the winner in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012.

Hiroshima end hopeful Auckland’s glory hunt

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:36:00 GMT

Toshihiro Aoyama scored the only goal as J.League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima eliminated New Zealand’s Auckland City with a 1-0 win in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012.

Which club will reign in Japan?

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:51:00 GMT

Chelsea and Corinthians are favourites to claim the Club World Cup, but FIFA.com asks who you think will take the laurels. Perhaps Mexico's Monterrey, or Al Ahly of Egypt, or Asian champs Ulsan Hyundai?

Valcke: GLT is a kind of revolution

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:57:00 GMT

Goal-line technology was the main topic discussed at a press conference ahead of the 6 December kick-off of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.