FIFA.com - News

Quartet advance to Asian women's finals

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the five places available to Asia at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 after Jordan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam all qualified for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup.

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.

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.

Muller: The game is growing in the Philippines

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:41:00 GMT

Philippines have made steady progress in recent years with goalkeeper Roland Muller a central figure for the Azkals, and the Duisburg-based shot-stopper chats with FIFA.com about his club career and experiences in south-east Asia.

Milestones and misfiring Africans

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Alessandro Del Piero's goalscoring heroics, Edinson Cavani and Michael Owen grabbing landmark goals and some wayward shooting in South Africa all feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

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.

Singapore in fourth heaven

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:15:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup saw Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic end a successful decade-long tenure on a high as the Lions claimed a record fourth crown, while Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda again shone and Philippines continued to grow.

Singapore edge into final past heroic Philippines

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Singapore are into their first AFF Suzuki Cup final for five years after a lone strike from Khairul Amri was enough to squeeze into the decider at the expense of a gallant Philippines.

South-east Asian rivals hunt final berth

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:27:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals take place this weekend with Thailand - seeking to end a decade-long title drought - hosting Malaysia, while Philippines will look to create history by winning through to their maiden final at Singapore's expense.

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.

Star duo seek to inspire emergent Philippines

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:55:00 GMT

Ahead of this weekend’s AFF Suzuki Cup opening, FIFA.com looks at the Younghusband brothers who are a pivotal component in the Philippines ongoing rise, while off the field their celebrity status is also growing the game’s popularity.

South-east Asia's finest take centre stage

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the AFF Suzuki Cup which commences this weekend with the biannual south-east Asian tournament typically promising large fervent crowds and high tempo football.

Ambitious Azkals target regional glory

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:27:00 GMT

The latest FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking saw the Philippines continue their steady progress by climbing a further four places. FIFA.com examines the south-east Asian nation's timely rise ahead of the looming AFF Suzuki Cup.

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.

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.

Futsal behind Filipino bars

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:38:00 GMT

In Makati City Jail in the Philippines everyday life is tough. Yet when a game of futsal gets underway in the prison yard, it helps the players enjoy themselves for a while, as this video from FIFA TV and FIFA.com shows.

Portugal go third as Colombia fly into top ten

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Portugal and Argentina climbed to third and fourth respectively on the global ladder as Colombia returned to the top ten for the first time in over a decade. Elsewhere, Belgium, Serbia and Central African Republic made impressive progress.

Thai events educate and excite

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:31:00 GMT

Three events were staged in Nakhon Ratchasima in the last week of September aimed at advancing futsal coaching techniques, spreading the sport's popularity and allowing children to have fun.

Weiss: Philippines fans take my breath away

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:41:00 GMT

Michael Weiss speaks to FIFA.com about the incredible passion for the Philippines national team, the influence of their overseas-based players, and his belief that his team will soon challenge the best sides in Asia.

Uruguay reach all-time high, Asian trio soar

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:03:00 GMT

Uruguay jumped to a personal best of third on the latest edition of the FIFA Ranking as the Netherlands fell out of the top three, while Denmark, Korea DPR, Turkmenistan and the Philippines made progress.

The Messis and Ronaldos of 1912

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:58:00 GMT

From coal miners and bankers to a groundbreaking Brazilian, FIFA.com travels back in time to look at some of the individual players who were thrilling football supporters a century ago.

Hard-won redemption for Korea DPR

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:28:00 GMT

Korea DPR put aside their early exit from Brazil 2014 qualifying to claim the AFC Challenge Cup. FIFA.com reviews the action from Asia’s second-tier tournament that was also marked by the emergence of Palestine and Philippines.

Barça’s Filipino hero, 100 years on

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:55:00 GMT

On the 100th anniversary of his spectacular debut at the age of 15, FIFA.com pays tribute to Barcelona legend Paulino Alcantara and looks back on his contribution to the club's early history.

Malaysia maintain regional supremacy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Malaysia’s U-23 side have retained the SEA Games title in dramatic fashion, edging hosts Indonesia 4-3 on penalties after an evenly-matched final. FIFA.com reviews the tournament.

FIFA awards further TV rights for 2015-2022

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The FIFA Executive Committee has decided on sales and distribution of FIFA media rights between 2015 and 2022 in Australia, Canada and the Caribbean, and awarded the sales representation for selected territories in Asia to Infront Sports & Media.

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.

Philippines out to scale new heights

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Philippines coach Michael Weiss says the odds may be stacked against his side in their upcoming preliminary qualifier with Kuwait but, full of optimism after beating Sri Lanka 5-1, they may have a chance.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:16:00 GMT

Our pick of the week's best quotes features Carlos Tevez on family issues, Edinson Cavani comparing fatherhood to taking a penalty, and Arsene Wenger on keeping his best players.

Asian media laud progression

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:03:00 GMT

Now that the Asian preliminary qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil has been completed, FIFA.com takes a look at the reaction in the media to the results so far.

Favourites progress as stars shine

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:27:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil has been completed, seeing a barrel-load of goals scored around Asia, with the likes of big-guns Vietnam being joined by first-time qualifiers Philippines.

Stern tests for Asian hopefuls

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMT

The chance to mix with Asia's big guns is up for grabs this weekend, with 16 of the continent's minnows battling it out in the second legs of the preliminary qualifying round.

Preliminary journey kicks off in Asia

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ kicked off in Asia on Wednesday, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh convincing in their respective openers. FIFA.com reviews all the action.

Vietnam convince on preliminary road

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia are in comfortable position to advance to the second round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ in Asia, with respective wins over Macau, Pakistan and Laos.

Sixteen hopefuls embark on Brazil path

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:29:00 GMT

Asia's lowest-ranked teams are set to begin continental qualifying for the 2014 tournament, with Sri Lanka-Philippines, Bangladesh-Pakistan and Malaysia-Chinese Taipei among the most appetising matches on the menu.

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.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Preliminary success boost for Philippines

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:35:00 GMT

The Philippines are beginning to make progress under respected German coach Michael Weiss with the team galvanized by an arduous beginning to their AFC Challenge Cup campaign recently.

Philippines aim to build on recent success

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:54:00 GMT

On the back of a breakthrough showing at the AFF Suzuki Cup in December, south-east Asian nation Philippines are seeking to build momentum under German coach Michael Weiss.

Indonesia into final

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:40:00 GMT

Indonesia secured a place in the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup today with a 1-0 win in the second leg of their semi-final against Philippines.

Indonesia take semi-final advantage

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:49:00 GMT

Indonesia have taken the ascendancy in their AFF Cup semi-final with the Philippines today after claiming a 1-0 win, courtesy of a Jose Cristian Gonzales goal, ahead of the second leg on Sunday.

Philippines stun defending champions

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:55:00 GMT

The Philippines pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the AFF Suzuki Cup with a 2-0 win over defending champions Vietnam.

Vietnam thrash Myanmar

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Vietnam swept to an impressive opening-match victory over Myanmar in their defence of their AFF Cup crown, winning 7-1, while the Philippines and Singapore played out a 1-1 draw.

Laos, Philippines reach ASEAN Cup

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:33:00 GMT

Laos and Philippines secured the final two berths at the 2010 ASEAN Cup after qualifying for the eight-nation tournament at the expense of Cambodia and Timor Leste.

Beach soccer lays roots in Dubai

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:31:00 GMT

November 2009 will go down as a historic date for beach soccer in Dubai, with minds now focused on developing the discipline in the UAE.

Maldives run with the wind

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:49:00 GMT

Football has been taking an increasing hold in the Maldives, as their recent rise up the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking this month has suggested.