FIFA.com - News

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.

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.

A new chapter for UAE

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:01:00 GMT

The Gulf Cup came to a spectacular close as UAE triumphed over Iraq in a 2-1 extra-time victory. FIFA.com reviews the tournament which saw Mehdi Ali's side finish as the region's premier outfit.

Japan cruise as giants flounder

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT

2012 witnessed the decisive fourth round of qualifying in the Asian Zone for Brazil 2014. It's Japan who appear to be in the strongest position, while Australia will look to make home advantage count during the next calendar year.

Syrians reign supreme in West Asia

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the seventh edition of the WAFF Championship, and turns the spotlight on some of the teams that made their mark, most notably Syria who defied the odds to be crowned regional kings.

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.

Former champions handed tough draws

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT

China PR, Iraq, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have been grouped together in AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying, while Iran will join Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon in another tough pool.

Uzbekistan youngsters create history

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:59:00 GMT

Uzbekistan, having already secured passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup along with Japan, Iran and Iraq, went on to claim a slice of history by winning their first continental title at any level.

Drogba shines as new season dawns in Iran

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:34:00 GMT

Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba commenced his China odyssey with trademark success, the new campaign commenced in Iran, while FIFA.com also takes in the latest from Korea Republic, Iraq, Thailand and Yemen.

Morocco shock favourites to lift cup

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 09:16:00 GMT

The 2012 Arab Nations Cup presented its fair share of surprises, with the most prominent of which being Morocco's run into the final and their thrilling 3-1 win on penalties over Libya.

Yemen on the comeback trail

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:44:00 GMT

Yemen return to action after a year-long absence. FIFA.com managed to speak to their coach Sami Al Nash about his desire to see the team prove themselves at the highest level.

Champions to the fore

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly look at club action across Asia and Oceania reviews the latest from Yemen, Iraq, and Macau, as well as Australia and New Zealand, where the league’s elite have been in fine form.

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.

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.

China, Jordan among convincing winners

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Asia's second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ got underway with China notably beating Laos 7-2, Jordan firing nine unanswered goals past Nepal, and Qatar seeing off Vietnam 3-0.

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.

Sidka: I’m enjoying my time in Iraq

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks to Iraq coach Wolfgang Sidka about preparing his side for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, football in his homeland Germany, and his thoughts on Qatar hosting the showpiece event in 2022.

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.

Aussies ease past Yemen

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 09:45:00 GMT

Australia began their attempt to reach next year's London Olympics in style, with Jason Hoffman inspiring his side to a 3-0 win against Yemen in their first leg.

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.

Rovers salvage draw, Nasaf take control

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:37:00 GMT

Aleksandar Duric scored a late equaliser for Tampines Rovers to draw 1-1 with Hanoi T&T in the AFC Cup, while Teerasil Dangda scored for a dramatic Muang Thong United 1-0 win over Victory SC.

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.

Yemen-Singapore postponed

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:25:00 GMT

The Asian Men’s Preliminary Competition match between Yemen and Singapore for the Olympic Football Tournaments London 2012 has been postponed

Kuwait begin new era with Gulf Cup win

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:17:00 GMT

Kuwait won the 20th edition of the Gulf Cup with a narrow victory over Saudi Arabia in Yemen on Sunday ending a 12-year wait to regain regional supremacy.

Saudi Arabia into semis

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:35:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia had a late own goal to thank for their semi-final place in the Gulf Cup, scraping a 1-1 draw with Qatar, while Kuwait topped Group A after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Yemen.

Al Khaldi saves Kuwait, Yemen exit

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 19:31:00 GMT

Kuwait goalkeeper Nawaf Al Khaldi saved a last-minute penalty to deny Saudi Arabia their second win in this year's Gulf Cup as the two teams shared a scoreless draw.

Free-scoring Saudis dent Yemen hopes

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:39:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia commenced their 2010 Gulf Cup of Nations campaign in bright fashion by overpowering host nation Yemen 4-0, while Kuwait edged Qatar in the other group match.

Yemen welcomes Gulf nations

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:47:00 GMT

The Gulf Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Yemen today, provides the ideal opportunity for teams to finalise their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2011.

Professionalisation on the agenda in Lebanon

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:20:00 GMT

As part of the Goal programme, the city of Beirut last week hosted a seminar organised by FIFA for the general secretaries of member associations from west Asia.

Kuwait reign in West Asia

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:48:00 GMT

The sixth edition of the West Asian Football Federation Championship ended with Kuwait adding their name to the list of previous winners.

Yemen edge nine-man Palestine

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:46:00 GMT

Yemen overcame the challenge of Palestine with a 3-1 win in there second West Asian Football Federation Championship, with the Palestinians ending the game with nine men.

Iraq start with victory

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Iraq made a winning start to the West Asian Football Federation Championship today, beating Yemen 2-1 in their opening Group C match.

West Asia's finest braced for action

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:35:00 GMT

The 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship begins in Jordan on Friday, with four-time winners Iran looking to continue their domination.

Champs Kuwait SC impress

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:57:00 GMT

Reigning champions Kuwait SC sounded a warning to other AFC Cup hopefuls by sealing first in Group B with a 7-1 win against India's Churchill Brothers.

Final three claim Asian Cup berths

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:19:00 GMT

The field for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 has been completed with Australia, Kuwait and Jordan taking the final places for the January tournament.

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.

Japan, Bahrain share pole position

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:59:00 GMT

Japan and Bahrain have an equal share at the top of their AFC Asian Cup qualifying group after wins over Hong Kong and Yemen respectively.

Bahrain regroup for Asian challenge

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:40:00 GMT

Bahrain will aim to pick themselves up from their FIFA World Cup disappointment when they face Yemen in a busy programme of Asian Cup matches.

Yemen on the rise

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:36:00 GMT

Yemen's recent rise in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking coincides with a promising start to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign for the Gulf nation.

Japan suffer shock loss

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:26:00 GMT

Three-time Asian champions Japan suffered a shock defeat in Bahrain on a big night of qualifying action for the AFC Asian Cup 2011.

Iraq out of Gulf Cup

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:09:00 GMT

Asian Cup champions Iraq drew 1-1 with Kuwait on Saturday to confirm their shock exit from the eight-nation Gulf Cup finishing bottom of Group A.

Draw for 2011 Asian Cup set

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:57:00 GMT

The final qualifying draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 will be held in Doha on 3 July, with heavyweights Japan and Australia set to avoid each other.

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.

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.

Asian route marked out

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:42:00 GMT

Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided, with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures against the groups' underdogs.