FIFA.com - News

Schafer: We have a great opportunity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Thailand are surprise contenders to reach the fourth and final stage of Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 and their German coach Winfried Schafer tells FIFA.com that the War Elephants must rise to the occasion.

Goals galore as leaders stumble

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s round-up of club action across Asia and Oceania reflects on rare losses for the frontrunners in Australia, Qatar, Jordan and India, while a host of elite goalscorers came to the fore.

A tale of Brazilian supremacy

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:16:00 GMT

With enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the seventh FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand later this year, FIFA.com looks back at the tournament's history, with Brazil the dominant force.

Dignitaries relishing Thai festival of futsal

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:52:00 GMT

The Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, joined several major figures in Asian football in offering wholehearted backing to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 at today's emblem launch.

Land of Smiles launches FIFA Futsal World Cup

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:39:00 GMT

The seventh FIFA Futsal World Cup was officially launched today as dignitaries from across Thailand – affectionately known as ‘The Land of Smiles’ - and Asian football came to Bangkok.

Rehman joins Hong Kong's Kitchee

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:07:00 GMT

Former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman has joined Hong Kong champions Kitchee Sports Club on an 18-month deal after a spell in Thailand.

Leaders toppled, new challengers emerge

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:31:00 GMT

The long-term frontrunners in Australia and India were finally hauled in, while in Thailand new rulers have been crowned. FIFA.com’s weekly review of club action in Asia and Oceania also visits Japan, Iraq and New Zealand.

Debutants eye Asian glory

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:00 GMT

The 2012 AFC Champions League draw has thrown up numerous fascinating groups but much of the focus will be on the performance of continental debutants who have impressed in securing their respective domestic titles.

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.

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.

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.

Australia edge Thailand to advance

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:02:00 GMT

Brett Holman scored the only goal in the second half as Australia overcame a stern test in Thailand to reach the final stage of Asian Zone qualifying.

Osieck discusses Kewell future, Thai test

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Holger Osieck has said Harry Kewell still figures in his plans and discussed Australia’s forthcoming qualifier in Thailand.

Japan excel again, world champions thwarted

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:36:00 GMT

A remarkable year for women’s football in Japan has continued with the U-17 team topping Asian qualifying for Azerbaijan 2012, where they will be joined by Korea DPR and China PR.

Thailand eye giant-killing against Australia

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:37:00 GMT

Thailand will be seeking to reinvigorate their Brazil 2014 campaign when Australia visit flood-stricken Bangkok, while other key ties on the penultimate Asian matchday see Saudi Arabia host Oman, and Korea Republic visit Lebanon.

Kewell out with muscle injury

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:16:00 GMT

Harry Kewell is unavailable for Australia's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Thailand on Tuesday after the midfielder was sent home for treatment on a muscle strain.

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.

Jedinak: Aussie team will develop further

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:33:00 GMT

Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak is confident the latest era of Aussie talent can propel the country to greater heights on the international stage as they eye qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

Teerasil Dangda comes of age

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks with dynamic Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda who has played a key role in helping the south-east Asians to a healthy position in their campaign to reach Brazil 2014.

Osieck wants more from Socceroo stars

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:06:00 GMT

Australia coach Holger Osieck says star A-League recruits Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton will have to fight for a starting berth in the Socceroos upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Oman and Thailand.

Women's roundup: October 2011

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up all the action in the world of women's football from the month of October, with special attention paid to a power shift in Africa and a return to form for Canada's national team.

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.

Asian elite eye world stage

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:44:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will commence next week with the standard of competition expected to be fierce with three of the four Trinidad and Tobago 2010 semi-finalists to be featured.

FIFA President offers Thai support, sympathy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:58:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has sent a letter of condolence and support to Thailand’s Prime Minister, Mrs Yingluck Shinawatra, in the wake of the extensive flooding that has ravaged the southeast Asian nation.

Silverware polished as favourites endure

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club action looks at familiar champions crowned in Uzbekistan, Korea Republic’s leaders on the cusp of glory and Australia’s frontrunners extending a remarkable unbeaten run.

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.

Thailand hold Saudis to goalless draw

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Thailand held on to second place in Group D of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw at home to Frank Rijkaard's Saudi Arabia.

Neill expecting rigorous Oman test

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:05:00 GMT

Despite sitting at the opposite ends of their Brazil 2014 qualifying group, Australia captain Lucas Neill says history indicates Oman will give the Socceroos a thorough examination when they meet in Sydney today.

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.

Leaders stumble, contenders shine

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular review of Asian club football takes in Japan, Korea Republic, Iran, China PR, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Thailand on what largely proved a weekend to forget for the leading elite.

Nasaf book semi-final berth

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:45:00 GMT

Nasaf have reached the AFC Cup semi-finals, defeating Chonburi on penalties, while Kuwait SC are also through after drawing Muang Thong United 0-0 to go through 1-0 on aggregate.

Muang Thong, Persipura look to bounce back

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:45:00 GMT

While Muang Thong United look to overcome a one-goal deficit against Kuwait SC in the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Persipura Jayapura and Chonburi face stiff tests against Arbil and Nasaf respectively.

Nervy leaders stumble as finish line nears

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back on at a troubled weekend for the frontrunners in Japan and Korea Republic, and on a contrasting scenario in China PR, where a new name seems set to be etched on the championship trophy.

Muang Thong struck by injury, Nasaf eye win

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:43:00 GMT

Ahead of the AFC Cup quarter-finals, Muang Thong United manager Henrique Calisto has expressed his concern over a depleted squad, while Nasaf face a tough away match against Chonburi.

Japan, Korea DPR win endurance battle

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:32:00 GMT

A couple of familiar faces in Japan and Korea DPR came out on top in Asian qualifying for London 2012, with the intensity and quality of competition again displaying the continent’s depth.

Korea DPR punch London ticket

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:23:00 GMT

Korea DPR scored a comfortable victory over Thailand in the final round of Asian qualifiers to end the hopes of both Australia and China PR, and join world champions Japan at London 2012.

World champions book ticket to London

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMT

A four-match undefeated run has seen Japan qualify for London 2012 with a game to spare while Korea DPR are warm favourites to collect the other berth.

Futsal review: June-August

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a busy period of activity in the world of Futsal which saw new club champions crowned in Asia and Europe's pathway to the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup laid out.

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.

Thailand put three past Oman

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:01:00 GMT

Thailand got back on track in Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil by beating Oman 3-0, with Sompong Soleb, Teerasil Dangda and a Rashid Al Farsi own goal ensuring the win.

Japan, Korea DPR on the cusp

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:06:00 GMT

World champions Japan and Korea DPR are both one win away from securing London 2012 qualification following important victories against Australia and Korea Republic respectively.

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.

Japan stay perfect, China held again

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 01:43:00 GMT

Japan remain in front of a chasing pack in the race to qualify for London 2012 thanks to a crucial 2-1 victory over Korea Republic in the latest round of Asian qualifiers.

Australia, Japan seal late victories

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:39:00 GMT

Australia and Japan snatched late winners over Thailand and Korea DPR respectively, while Korea Republic eased past Lebanon in their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches.

Aussies leave it late to beat Thailand

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:39:00 GMT

The Thais took a shock lead in Brisbane, but after Josh Kennedy equalised, Alex Brosque’s late winner sealed victory for the Socceroos.

Nadeshiko open brightly as Matildas stumble

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:58:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for the 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament has begun with victory for world champions Japan, while Asian champions Australia were defeated by Korea DPR.

Schafer's high hopes for Thailand

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:03:00 GMT

Thailand have been dealt a tough Brazil 2014 qualifying group but their new coach, the experienced German Winfried Schafer, tells FIFA.com he is intent on achieving success and leaving a lasting legacy.

Cahill excited by new-look Aussies

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:39:00 GMT

Tim Cahill says the future is bright for an Australia side in transition under Holger Osieck, as the Socceroos prepare to begin their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ campaign against Thailand tomorrow.

Asia’s female elite return to action

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the London 2012 qualifiers as world champions Japan prepare to face Australia, China PR, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and Thailand with another glittering prize at stake.