FIFA.com - News

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.

Cahill: My passion is as strong as ever

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:50:00 GMT

Australia’s talismanic midfielder Tim Cahill chats to FIFA.com about his international career, the Socceroos' Brazil 2014 ambitions, new life in New York, giving back to the game and how a Samoan heritage shaped his personality.

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.

Cook Islands keep hopes alive amid late drama

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 07:55:00 GMT

Cook Islands left it late before nudging out American Samoa to win the preliminary stage of Oceania qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Apia, Samoa.

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.

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.

Grassroots courses building foundations in Polynesia

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:26:00 GMT

Aspiring coaches in the Polynesian nations of Samoa and American Samoa have received a boost after a FIFA’s Grassroots course was hosted by the respective national associations.

Tahiti lead Pacific charge

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a highly successful OFC Nations Cup which saw unprecedented glory for Tahiti, breakthrough success by New Caledonia and a succession of tight matches played out in front of large crowds.

Tahiti, New Caledonia stroll into semis

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:43:00 GMT

New Caledonia and Tahiti have joined New Zealand in qualifying for the OFC Nations Cup semi-finals with comfortable wins over Samoa and Vanuatu respectively.

Tahiti win group's key game

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 08:26:00 GMT

After surviving a brave fightback from nine-man New Caledonia in the Pacific's Francophone derby, Tahiti have made themselves favourites to qualify as Group A winners.

Goals rain down on opening day

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:58:00 GMT

The opening day of Round Two Brazil 2014 qualifying in Oceania saw the hopes of Tahiti and New Caledonia receive a massive boost amid a flurry of goals in Honiara.

All in readiness for Oceania charge

Wed, 30 May 2012 22:29:00 GMT

After a long wait, FIFA World Cup™ qualifying returns to the Pacific with the football obsessed Solomon Islands set to host the eight-nation tournament commencing on Friday.

Auckland continue to reign in Oceania

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:49:00 GMT

Auckland City will once again feature at the FIFA Club World Cup but the Oceania heavyweights were forced to do it the hard way in a gruelling OFC O-League campaign, as FIFA.com reports.

Kiwis impress en route to Oceania crown

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Oceania qualifying tournament for Japan 2012 as New Zealand again impressed in retaining their status as continental queens.

Kiwis seek another Oceanian coronation

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:31:00 GMT

New Zealand will this week be eyeing a fourth successive qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as they seek to maintain the nation's recent growth by securing a berth at Japan 2012.

Samoa sailing strongly in the Pacific

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:12:00 GMT

Waiting for the chance to impress on the international stage has been a long time coming for Samoa, but now the Polynesians are making the most of their opportunity.

PNG's London hopes survive Pacific test

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:06:00 GMT

The road to London 2012 has commenced for Oceania aspirants with Papua New Guinea winning through to a play-off against New Zealand. FIFA.com reports on the action.

Dreams and history made in Oceania

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:01:00 GMT

A tight and gripping opening to Oceania’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers saw Samoa trump three Polynesian neighbours to advance, but the tournament will long be remembered for the breakthrough achievements of American Samoa.

Samoa edge neighbours to secure passage

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:04:00 GMT

Samoa have won through to Oceania’s Round Two stage of Brazil 2014 qualifying but it took a last gasp winner to finally subdue a gallant American Samoa.

Samoa draw sets up decisive final contest

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:20:00 GMT

The opening stage of Oceania’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers will be decided on the final matchday after Tonga held hosts Samoa, leaving surprise packets American Samoa with a chance of progressing.

Late winner lifts Samoa past Cook Islands

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:47:00 GMT

Samoa have secured three crucial points thanks to a winner deep into injury time against Cook Islands on the opening day of Oceania qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Oceania quartet commence long road

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:58:00 GMT

Apia may be far removed from the bright lights of world football’s elite, but this week the Samoan capital will be the venue as Oceania becomes the fifth continent to begin its Brazil 2014 journey

Committed Tonga’s fresh approach

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:51:00 GMT

Tonga will enter next week’s Brazil 2014 qualifiers lacking in international exposure but buoyed by a single-minded desire to succeed, and with one of the youngest ever international coaches at the helm.

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.

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.

Etaeta: It is a well balanced group

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 08:53:00 GMT

"I think the groups are well balanced and we will have a very competitive team... To qualify for a World Cup is the dream for all football players and we hope to make it come true," Eddy Etaeta, Tahiti coach.

Wide open in Oceania's Group A

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:02:00 GMT

New Caledonia, Tahiti and Vanuatu will all have high hopes of progressing to Oceania’s final stage of qualifying after avoiding regional heavyweights New Zealand.

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.

Kiwi break long drought

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:45:00 GMT

Kiwi SC have claimed the Samoan championship finishing ahead of holders Moaula United for their first title in 14 years.

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.

Long path to South Africa began in Pacific

Tue, 04 May 2010 04:27:00 GMT

The long road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa commenced nearly three years ago in the Pacific Island nation of Samoa.

PNG's breakthough success

Mon, 03 May 2010 12:41:00 GMT

Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United can now turn their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 after their history-making Oceania club title.

Women's round-up: April 2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com's latest monthly review details the latest developments in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying and the start of the second WPS season.

Samoan star shines bright

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:48:00 GMT

One of the Pacific’s brightest stars is making headway on foreign shores and Desmond Fa’aiuaso hopes to be the first of many from Samoa to do so.

Oceanian football thinking big

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:59:00 GMT

New Zealand’s success in qualifying for South Africa, their first finals since 1982, has provided a welcome fillip to the whole of Oceanian football.

Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:33:00 GMT

Global qualifying for South Africa 2010 commenced in the Oceania zone in mid-2007 and culminated over two years later as New Zealand qualified.

O-League off to a flier

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:05:00 GMT

New Zealand's Auckland City and Fiji's Lautoka registered resounding opening wins as the newly-expanded O-League got off to a spectacular start.

Cahill dedicates goal to tsunami victims

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:35:00 GMT

Everton and Australia midfielder Tim Cahill dedicated his UEFA Europa League match-winning goal to victims of this week's tsunami in the Pacific.

OFC and Australia enter Pacific partnership

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:50:00 GMT

The OFC, FFA and the Australian government have signed a $4 million AUD agreement to deliver football and other sporting programmes across the Pacific.

Smeltz and White claim Oceania honour

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:23:00 GMT

New Zealand duo Shane Smeltz and Rosie White have both capped an impressive 2008 by being named the OFC Players of the Year.

Titans clash in O-League opener

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:27:00 GMT

The third instalment of the OFC O-League kicks off with a top tier meeting between former champions Waitakere United and Auckland City.

FIFA's finances solid

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:32:00 GMT

The Executive Committee's recent meeting was dominated by finances, competitions, social responsibility and political and legal matters.

Solomons storm home

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:31:00 GMT

The Solomon Islands have clinched the sole Oceania berth at the FIFA Futsal World Cup on a tense final day of qualifying in Suva.

FIFA to establish a normalisation committee at the Samoa FA

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:17:00 GMT

The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided to establish a normalisation committee for the Samoa Football Soccer Federation (SFSF).

Kiwis and Solomons head for Olympic showdown

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:48:00 GMT

New Zealand and the Solomon Islands are set for a showdown to decide Oceania's football spot at the Beijing Olympics.

Late drama proves decisive

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:41:00 GMT

Late goals served to harm Fiji's chances of qualifying for South Africa 2010 but kept New Zealand in command of the race in Oceania.

OFC five hit new highs

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:36:51 GMT

Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Samoa are celebrating their highest-ever positions in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.