FIFA.com - News

Buriram continue dream run, FC Seoul advance

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning AFC Champions League run by edging Bunyodkor to reach the last eight, K League champions FC Seoul are also through on what was also a good night for Saudi clubs.

Hosts target Asia's last eight

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Home sides are well placed going into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 return legs with only Bunyodkor suffering defeat on the road last week. All the action previewed.

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.

Underdogs impress as giants stumble

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews opening action in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 with unheralded Buriram United and Lekhwiya well placed to advance at the expense of highly-fancied opposition.

Buriram continue dream run, Al Ahli claim advantage

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:46:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning form in the AFC Champions League with a 2-1 first-leg win over Bunyodkor, while 2012 finalists Al Ahli also have one foot in the last eight after a draw at El Jaish.

Formidable tasks await first-timers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT

There are five teams competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League for the first time, and all face tough challenges. FIFA.com previews the action in Asia's top club competition.

Musaev: I have great faith in our ability

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:50:00 GMT

With Turkey 2013 their third appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and Uzbekistan's international pedigree continuing to grow, coach Ahmadjon Musaev told FIFA.com he is looking for his side to make an impact.

Fallen giants and brave novices

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the final matchday in the AFC Champions League notable for Thai outfit Buriram United sealing an unlikely progression to the knockout stage, while a host of former winners saw their hopes evaporate.

Lekhwiya, Al Shabab escape group stages

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:15:00 GMT

Lekhwiya and Al Shabab Al Arabi reached the AFC Champions League last-16, after all four teams in Group B fought for progress on the last day, while Al Shabab and Al Jaish qualified from Group A.

Mariners, Beijing, Bunyodkor all through

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:38:00 GMT

Australia's Central Coast Mariners reached the AFC Champions League knock-out phase for the first time despite a 3-0 defeat by Kashiwa Reysol, while Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor and China's Beijing Guoan also advanced.

Last chance for former continental kings

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the final group-stage matchday in the AFC Champions League with a host of former holders facing the exit door.

Eight progress, six crash out

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:38:00 GMT

Al Gharafa, El Jaish, Esteghlal, FC Seoul, Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Evergrande all made it through to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League after an action-packed matchday 5.

Group stage end in sight for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews matchday 5 of the AFC Champions League this week where several teams will look to secure early passage into the Round of 16, including Guangzhou Evergrande, Al Gharafa and Kashiwa Reysol.

New stars rise on Asian scene

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at a handful of young stars who are making an ever-increasing impact in Asian football at both club and international level.

Giants stumble as strugglers bounce back

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest AFC Champions League action on a matchday that proved to be a major triumph for Saudi Arabia representatives as Al Ahli and Al Shabab became the first two clubs into the knockout stage.

Al Shabab and Al Ahli progress

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:34:00 GMT

Saudi Arabian duo Al Shabab and Al Ahli became the first teams to book their places in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League with wins today, while Vegalta Sendai collected their first ever win in the competition.

Lippi's Guangzhou poised for Asian knock-outs

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:37:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande eliminated Muangthong United from the AFC Champions League with a 4-1 win, while Ettifaq overpowered Al Shabab Al Arabi by the same scoreline and Al Hilal defeated Esteghlal 1-0.

Frontrunners eye early progression

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:01:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage moves beyond the halfway point this week with a host of teams aiming to secure early progression led by in-form duo Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol.

Duo run riot, former champs open account

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:13:00 GMT

Just two teams - Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol - have maintained a perfect record after three rounds in the AFC Champions League following a matchday that saw three K League clubs outsmart their Japanese rivals.

Kashiwa win eight-goal thriller, Conca inspires Guangzhou

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol won 6-2 away to Suwon Bluewings in a truly bizarre contest, while Guangzhou Evergrande put four unanswered goals past Muang Thong United and Jeonbuk Motors tasted victory at Urawa Red Diamonds.

Al Ahli stay perfect, Sanfrecce stumble again

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:48:00 GMT

Al Ahli maintained their perfect start in the AFC Champions League with a 4-2 win at Sepahan as the Saudis aim to better last year's runners-up finish, while it was another poor night for J.League champs Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Top contenders do battle in Asia

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com runs the rule over this week’s AFC Champions League action with a host group pace-setters squaring off as Asia's premier club competition approaches the halfway mark.

Favourites drop points as underdogs shine

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:05:00 GMT

It was a momentous day of qualifying action in Asia which saw wins in Group A for the home sides and shock results in Group B which temporarily denied Japan's progression to Brazil 2014.

Anticipation coupled with ambition

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at all the reaction after a glittering FIFA U-20 World Cup draw in Istanbul laid out the path to glory for 24 nations at Turkey 2013.

Hosts face CONMEBOL champs, France meet Spain

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:57:00 GMT

In the Final Draw for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, hosts Turkey were drawn in the same group as El Salvador, Australia and South American champions Colombia, while France meet Spain and USA in a competitive Group A.

Early progression in Japan's sights

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:19:00 GMT

Japan travel to Jordan on Tuesday knowing that a win or even a draw could be enough to make them the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ for the second time in succession.

West Asian duo maintain perfect run

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from Friday’s abbreviated AFC Asian Cup matchday with Bahrain and United Arab Emirates the big winners, as 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan were undone on the road.

Trio stay perfect as surprises abound

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up this week’s AFC Champions League action with just three teams maintaining a 100 per cent record after two rounds as Asia’s premier club competition again displayed its highly competitive nature.

Beijing finally win, Kashiwa beat Mariners

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:46:00 GMT

China's Beijing Guoan saw off J.League title-holders Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 to break an eight-match winless run in the AFC Champions League, while Kashiwa Reysol overcame Central Coast Mariners 3-1.

Guangzhou draw at Jeonbuk, Urawa cruise

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:04:00 GMT

Jeonbuk Motors drew 1-1 at home to Guangzhou Evergrande in their AFC Champions League group-stage game, while former champions Urawa Red Diamonds returned to form by beat visiting Muang Thong United 4-1.

Jeonbuk, Pohang out for revenge

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews this week’s AFC Champions League action with a host of continental elite seeking to avoid being left behind on the back of successive defeats.

Uzbeks shine as Japanese stumble

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:17:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage commenced in intriguing fashion with Uzbekistan and Iran representatives shining, however there were unusually modest results for Japan and Korea Republic clubs.

Uzbeks stun Sanfrecce, Cleo grabs winner

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:36:00 GMT

Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor provided the biggest upset of this year's fledgling AFC Champions League when they shocked J.League title-holders Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0, while Cleo scored a winner for Kashiwa Reysol.

Former champs out to start with a bang

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:31:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage kicks-off this week with a host of traditional elite joined by a number of competition debutants all seeking to be crowned Asian club kings.

Asia’s aspirants eye long path to glory

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:18:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League begins this weekend with the preliminary round kick-starting a nine-month campaign in Asia’s premier club competition. FIFA.com previews the key match-ups.

Asian favourites open brightly

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 02:55:00 GMT

The journey towards AFC Asian Cup qualification began with continental giants Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia opening in bright fashion while ten-man Hong Kong managed to collect a point on the road against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan.

Journey to Asian glory opens with key match-ups

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:34:00 GMT

The long road to qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia commences on Wednesday with a massive matchday featuring ten matches and four former continental kings. FIFA.com previews all the action.

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.

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.

Ecuador, Haiti climb to highest-ever slots

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Ecuador and Haiti have risen personal bests of 12th and 38th respectively on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, while Uzbekistan, Panama, Libya and Cuba have also made impressive progress.

Uzbekistan ready to make more history

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at Uzbekistan, who collected the FIFA Fair Play Award at Monday's FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala, with the Central Asian nation having made rapid growth in recent times with more milestones on the horizon.

Young stars who lit up Asian showcase

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the gifted prodigies who turned heads at the AFC U-19 Championship and who will be keen to impress again at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey next summer.

Three nominees for the FIFA Fair Play Award announced

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:09:00 GMT

FIFA today announced the three nominees for the FIFA Fair Play Award 2012.

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.

Turks targeting full houses

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:23:00 GMT

Legendary midfielder Robert Prosinecki has launched the tickets sales for what promises to be a memorable FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Pakhtakor return to Uzbek pinnacle

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the recently completed Uzbekistan season as former kings Pakhtakor broke Bunyodkor’s stranglehold on the domestic scene to once again be crowned champions.

Koreans shine as quartet reach Turkey

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 10:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up the AFC U-19 Championship, where Korea Republic were crowned champions, booking tickets to Turkey 2013 along with Iraq, Uzbekistan and Australia.

Victories excite Asian media

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com collects all of the reaction and comments from around Asia following the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to take place across the region.

Trio celebrate as Iran stumble

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:09:00 GMT

Japan took a giant step toward early qualification for Brazil 2014, while Qatar and Iraq also picked up positive results on a night when Uzbekistan inflicted a rare home defeat on Iran.

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.