FIFA.com - News

Japan make first-ever top three appearance

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.

Leaders trip up in Australia, UAE

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:17:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at Australia and United Arab Emirates, where the elite are suddenly under intense pressure, as well as the latest from Iran, Thailand and Oceania.

FIFA’s Performance Seminar a success

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:06:00 GMT

Oceania Football Confederation’s 11 Member Associations will be the beneficiaries as FIFA’s new development programme, known as PERFORMANCE, is rolled out aiming to help national governing bodies reach their maximum potential.

Silverware polished as Roar bellow

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Trophies were handed out in Japan and Malaysia, the latest OFC O-League season commenced and it was another milestone weekend in Australia as FIFA.com wraps up the action from Asia and Oceania.

Ambitious Oceania elite eye glory

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:40:00 GMT

The road to continental glory in Oceania will commence this weekend as eight clubs take to the field for the newest edition of the OFC O-League. FIFA.com previews the forthcoming campaign in the Pacific.

Rivalries and fresh hopes abound

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of club matters across Asia and Oceania looks at the season-openers in India, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, derby time in Australia, and glory for Korea Republic’s Jeonbuk Motors.

Auckland seek to maintain dominance

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:58:00 GMT

The New Zealand Football Championship begins this weekend with the elite pairing of Auckland City and Waitakere United seeking to maintain their unbroken dominance that has lasted throughout the league’s seven-year existence.

Ambitious PNG eye further growth

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:23:00 GMT

After a lengthy period of inactivity Papua New Guinea have rejoined the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and now have Oceania’s elite in their sights.

Spain regain top amid significant movement

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMT

After just a one-month hiatus, Spain replaced the Netherlands at the top of the global ladder, while Uruguay and Portugal leapt into fourth and fifth respectively amid significant change.

Tight margins among Pacific elite

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:39:00 GMT

New Caledonia emerged triumphant on home soil at this year’s Pacific Games as a number of teams continued their preparations for Brazil 2014 qualifying.

Pitch perfect in Oceania

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:51:00 GMT

OFC’s Member Association’s were the beneficiaries as FIFA conducted its first ever FIFA Playing Surface Seminar last week in Auckland.

Kiwis head tight section

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:47:00 GMT

New Zealand may be warm favourites in Oceania Group B, however, the presence of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea will make for a fascinating four-way competition.

High-flying Kiwis face tough task

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:05:00 GMT

The draw provided New Zealand with an intriguing challenge against Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, while Group A features Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti and the Round One winner.

Oceania goalkeeper stocks receive a boost

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:42:00 GMT

Auckland was the location this week as Oceania Football Confederation members were the recipients of the new FIFA Goalkeeping Course.

Nelsen, Riley earn OFC awards

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:39:00 GMT

The Oceania Football Confederation have named New Zealand duo Ryan Nelsen and Ali Riley as their players of 2010.

Kiwis rule Oceania, reach Colombia

Mon, 02 May 2011 10:41:00 GMT

New Zealand qualified for just their second FIFA U-20 World Cup in impressive fashion, dominating the Oceania qualifiers with dynamic attacking play and a resolute defence.

Intrigue awaits Oceania’s young elite

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:18:00 GMT

Hosts New Zealand will undoubtedly start as favourites to rule the region and qualify for this year's FIFA U-20 World Cup, but Tahiti's surprise triumph three years ago proves nothing can be accepted as a foregone conclusion.

Hekari crowned again in PNG

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Hekari United’s dominance of the Papua New Guinea National Soccer League has continued with the Port Moresby side winning their fifth successive title.

Amicale hoping history repeats

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:19:00 GMT

Though making their bow at continental level, Vanuatu’s Amicale have booked their place at next month’s OFC O-League final against regional giants Auckland City, with a ticket to the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup awaiting the winners.

Champs Hekari ousted as Auckland reach final

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Auckland City are the first team into the OFC O-League final where they almost certainly will face Amicale in what would be new ground for a Vanuatu club, while holders Hekari United have been eliminated.

Former Socceroo boss takes PNG reins

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:28:00 GMT

Former long-serving Australia coach Frank Farina has been appointed to lead Papua New Guinea in the upcoming 2011 Pacific Games with the tournament doubling as the first stage of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Shocks abound in O-League

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:40:00 GMT

Three remarkable scorelines marked Matchday 4 in the OFC O-League with 17 goals scored and both group leaders, Lautoka and Waitakere United, suffering defeat, while the hopes of champions Hekari United hang by a thread.

Island nations again proving their worth

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:00:00 GMT

One of the tightest competitions in the brief history of the OFC O-League has left the door ajar for a Pacific Island nation to again claim glory following last season’s breakthrough triumph by Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Hard work maintains Kiwi stranglehold

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Although New Zealand triumphed for a third successive time at this week’s OFC U-17 showpiece, the closeness of competition indicates a levelling out of the playing field in Oceania.

Lautoka go top after Hekari stalemate

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Fijian champions Lautoka have taken the lead in Group A at the halfway point of the OFC O-League after playing out a goalless draw against reigning champions Hekari United.

Battlelines drawn in Oceania

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:50:00 GMT

The quest to be crowned Oceania U-17 champions and secure passage to Mexico 2011 will be played out with a new level of intensity and competition over the coming 11 days.

What is your favourite football memory of 2010?

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:30:00 GMT

2010 was overflowing with football highlights and sparked countless memories all around the world. FIFA.com would like to know what is your favourite football memory of 2010?

Friendships forged in the stands

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:53:00 GMT

With friendly local fans and a 5000-strong Internacional support singing and dancing along with TP Mazembe's colourful and noisy orchestra, there has been a genuine party atmosphere around UAE 2010.

Hekari: See you next year

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:47:00 GMT

Hekari United forward Osea Vakatalesau speaks to FIFA.com about the Papua New Guineans' FIFA Club World Cup experience and their desire to defy the odds once again.

Brazilians shine as Al Wahda advance

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:47:00 GMT

Hugo, Fernando Baiano and Abdulraheem Jumaa were on target as Al-Wahda Sports Club beat Hekari United 3-0 to reach the last eight of the FIFA Club World Cup.

FIFA Club World Cup in numbers

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at some of the tournament’s most intriguing statistics, including Brazilian clubs’ invincibility and the only man to win the trophy twice.

Al Wahda-Hekari United preview

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:53:00 GMT

The curtain comes up on the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 with a match between Ocenian underdogs Hekari United and local hopefuls Al Wahda.

Who will win the FIFA Club World Cup?

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 06:42:00 GMT

Six continental champions and a representative of the host country will do battle for the title of FIFA Club World Cup champions in UAE, but who do you think will take home the trophy?

Historic year concludes in UAE

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:16:00 GMT

For the second year in succession, UAE will play host to the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament in which under-pressure FC Internazionale Milano will attempt to maintain Europe's recent stranglehold.

Fans savour Emirati delights

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:24:00 GMT

With the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup coinciding with UAE’s National Day, there have been plenty of programmes and events for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.

Islanders incredulous at Hekari fairy tale

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:04:00 GMT

Hekari United's Kema Jack tells FIFA.com that the Oceanian champions' success in reaching the FIFA Club World Cup is so unlikely that many in their native Papua New Guinea don't even believe it happened.

Hekari United arrive in Abu Dhabi

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:58:00 GMT

Hekari United have arrived in UAE ahead of making their tournament debut against local champions Al Wahda on Wednesday night

All-star encounter inspires Hekari’s Muta

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:12:00 GMT

Hekari United captain David Muta tells FIFA.com why playing with David Beckham and Edgar Davids has provided him with some valuable lessons ahead of next month's FIFA Club World Cup.

Hekari back in form, Kiwis share spoils

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:01:00 GMT

Reigning OFC O-League scored a much-needed boost ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with an impressive victory, while in Group B New Zealand heavyweight duo Waitakere United and Auckland shared the spoils.

Reaz readies Hekari goalkeepers

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:45:00 GMT

South Africa-born goalkeeping coach Reaz Moorad is helping to prepare the Hekari United custodians as they prepare to play on the global stage for the very first time.

Oceanian successes inspire Hekari coach

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 01:08:00 GMT

Jerry Allen, assistant coach of the FIFA Club World Cup-bound Hekari United, tells FIFA.com about his hopes for the tournament and reveals which Internazionale player he would love to sign.

Draw finalises UAE 2010 schedule

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:14:00 GMT

The FIFA Club World Cup draw was held in Zurich today and has offered a clearer picture of what to expect at December’s global club showpiece in Abu Dhabi.

Champs stumble in O-League opener

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:16:00 GMT

New Zealand giants Waitakere United and Auckland City kicked-off their OFC O-League campaign with wins, but there was a shock for champions Hekari United who crashed against Vanuatuan newcomers Amicale FC.

Recruitment push boosts Oceania's elite

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:55:00 GMT

The OFC O-League commences this weekend with most clubs in the field strengthening as they look to claim the crown won in stunning fashion last year by Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United.

Oceania queens aim high

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMT

New Zealand stormed into the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ displaying an unprecedented level of regional dominance leaving the Oceania representatives optimistic of making their mark at Germany 2011.

Vicelich, Riley claim Oceania's top honour

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:34:00 GMT

New Zealand’s Ivan Vicelich and Ali Riley were presented with their OFC Player of the year awards prior to the All Whites international against Honduras in Auckland.

Dominant Kiwis take their place

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMT

Rosie White scored four times as New Zealand completed a hugely successful qualifying campaign by beating Papua New Guinea 11-0 in the grand final of the OFC Women's Nations Cup.

Oceanians eye ticket to Germany

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:19:00 GMT

New Zealand enter this week’s qualifiers for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany as favourites to progress on home soil, although their Oceania rivals are set on causing an upset.

Ten shining moments in Singapore

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:30:00 GMT

The inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore produced 13 days of fabulous football, and FIFA.com takes a look back at ten of the tournaments’ finest moments.

PNG seek female stars of tomorrow

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Papua New Guinea are hoping that the young talent which featured at Singapore 2010 will develop into future stars in a nation where women’s football permeates strongly.