FIFA.com - News

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.

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.

Sendai, Al Fath assume pole positions

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:40:00 GMT

Vegalta Sendai replaced Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the summit in Japan, while Al Fath maintained their excellent form to go top in Saudi Arabia and the season began in Hong Kong.

Bobrov spurs Soviets to dream comeback

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 03:29:00 GMT

Exactly sixty years ago, Yugoslavia led Soviet Union 5-1 with just 15 minutes remaining in their fight for a place in the Olympic quarter-finals. Thereafter, though, Vsevolod Bobrov inspired one of the greatest fightbacks in football history.

AFC's finest chasing Thailand 2012 places

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Four tickets to the FIFA Futsal World Cup will be up for grabs when Asia's 16 best sides meet in the 2012 AFC Futsal Championship this week. FIFA.com previews the tournament.

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.

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.

Penalty drama as Korea DPR claim trophy

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:18:00 GMT

Korea DPR have lifted the AFC Challenge Cup and assured themselves a place at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after winning the final 2-1 against Turkmenistan, who missed a late penalty before conceding the winner.

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.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Australia were among the AFC heavyweights who coasted through to the final round of qualifiers for London 2012, while the likes of Oman and Malaysia sprung major surprises.

Venue changes for Syria and Yemen

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:25:00 GMT

Due to the situation in Syria and Yemen, their forthcoming qualifiers for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament will be played outside of the respective countries.

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.

Turkmenistan make progress in Asia

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:30:00 GMT

Central Asian nation Turkmenistan have slowly been building their stocks with dividends paid recently following a move up the FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking - the second largest jump of all Asia’s nations during November.

Quarter-finals confirmed as Thailand, UAE qualify

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:53:00 GMT

Thailand and UAE beat Turkmenistan and Kuwait to join the more fancied Japan and Korea DPR in qualifying today for the Asian Games quarter-finals, with Japan convincingly routing India 5-0.

China PR and Korea Republic reach last 16

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:54:00 GMT

China PR and Korea Republic both qualified for the last 16 of the Asian Games, both getting 3-0 wins in their final group matches.

Spot on for Korea DPR

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:46:00 GMT

South Africa 2010 finalists North Korea qualified for next year's Asian Cup after edging out Turkmenistan to win the Challenge Cup on penalties.

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.

Asian goalscoring extraordinaire

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:59:00 GMT

Prolific Turkmenistan striker Berdy Shamuradov is fast gaining a name for himself thanks to a remarkable strike-rate for both club and country.

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.

Aragones signs Fenerbahce deal

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:33:00 GMT

Spain's UEFA EURO 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones on Saturday signed a two-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Koreans share the spoils

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:08:00 GMT

In Group 3 of the third round of Asian qualifying for South Africa, both Koreas advanced to the next stage, drawing 0-0 in a historic encounter.

Low: Don't write off Turkey

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:31:00 GMT

Joachim Low says his side can ill afford to write off Turkey ahead of Wednesday's semi-final when the comeback kings look to claim another scalp.

Iraq out as Qatar, UAE progress

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:53:00 GMT

Qatar are through to the final round of Asian qualifying after defeating Iraq in Dubai, while UAE advanced despite losing 3-1 to Syria.

Make or break for Asian quartet

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:13:00 GMT

The focus in Asia will be on the battle between four sides - Iraq, Qatar in Dubai, UAE and Syria - for two places in the next round of qualifiers.

Asian line-up nearly complete

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Bahrain, Japan, Australia, Iran and Saudi Arabia booked a place in the next phase of qualifying for South Africa 2010.

Korea Republic celebrate in style

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:53:00 GMT

Korea Republic celebrated their passage through to the next phase of qualifying with a dramatic 3-1 win over Turkmenistan.

Both Koreas through to final ten

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:44:00 GMT

Hong Yong-Jo scored twice as Korea DPR beat Jordan 2-0 in Pyongyang Saturday, to put both Koreas into the final qualifying round.

Final ten take shape

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:28:00 GMT

On Matchday 5 of the third round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, several teams are on the verge of qualifying for the final round.

Uzbekistan storm into last ten

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:42:00 GMT

Uzbekistan advanced to the next phase of Asian qualifying, while Saudi Arabia, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, and Iran were also winners on Saturday.

Korea DPR push ahead

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:48:00 GMT

Korea DPR have taken a temporary three-point lead in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group by defeating Turkmenistan 1-0 in Pyongyang.

Uzbekistan lead the way

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:23:00 GMT

After some twists and turns on Matchday 3, some unlikely scenarios are shaping up in Groups 3, 4, and 5 of the Asian third round of qualifying.

Asian leaders eye halfway mark

Fri, 30 May 2008 09:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com runs the rule over Groups 3, 4 and 5 as the third stage of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010 resumes this weekend with crucial fixtures.

Futsal fever reaches Asia

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:55:00 GMT

Eight-times champions Iran will be the team to beat when the 2008 AFC Futsal Championship is staged in Thailand from 11 to 18 May.

Heavy blows for Asian giants

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Surprise results were on the menu in Asia as Japan and Saudi Arabia were both beaten on a Wednesday full of thrills and spills.

Bahrain the biggest winners

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Bahrain shocked Japan 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup qualifier, while China held Australia and the two Koreas also fought to a goalless draw.

Giants on their travels

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:51:00 GMT

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia made light work of their third round openers, but they face stern challenges on Matchday 2.

Korean showdown in Shanghai

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:27:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews all of the action taking place in Groups 3, 4 and 5 of the Asian Zone qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Big wins in Asia

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:58:00 GMT

Gamba Osaka came out on top of a seven-goal thriller on Wednesday while J-League champions Kashima Antlers strolled to another huge victory.

Aussies light the Asian way

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:10:00 GMT

There were few surprises in Asian FIFA World Cup qualifying on Wednesday as the established sides and new boys Australia ruled the day in style.

Underdogs prepare for their day

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at Wednesday's four South Africa 2010 qualifiers in the Middle East involving some of Asia's lesser-known sides.

Asian giants target opening wins

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:47:00 GMT

The qualifiers for South Africa 2010 get underway in Asia on Wednesday, with the continent's top five teams all targeting emphatic victories.

What is the most exciting league?

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:58:00 GMT

Planet football is home to a number of captivating national championships. But which, do you feel, is the most most exciting league in the world?

Argentina finish on a high

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:18:00 GMT

For the first time ever, Argentina have finished the year as the world's top-ranked side. Brazil and eight Euro sides joined them in the top ten.