FIFA.com - News

New Confeds Ticket Collection location now open

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:55:25 GMT

In order to facilitate the ticket collection for the FIFA Confederations Cup, Host City Rio de Janeiro now has one more Ticket Collection location.

Trio progress as duo set up play-off meeting

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:42:00 GMT

Australia, Iran and Korea Republic are celebrating after they confirmed their participation at Brazil 2014, while Uzbekistan narrowly fell short and must play-off against Jordan for a spot in the intercontinental qualifier.

'Brazil here we come,' Iran fans sing

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:16:00 GMT

Following Iran's 1-0 win away to Korea Republic that secured them a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Iranian supporters took to the streets in celebration and sang with joy to mark their country's achievement.

Thiago hat-trick sees Spain retain U-21 title

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Thiago Alcantara scored a hat-trick to ensure Spain retained their European Under-21 title in Jerusalem on Tuesday with a 4-2 win over Italy.

Nikolov to make MLS switch

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:39:00 GMT

Oka Nikolov will get to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in Major League Soccer after Eintracht Frankfurt has agreed to terminate his one-year contract, allowing him to pursue playing in America after 19 years with the club.

Puyol to undergo further knee surgery

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is to undergo knee surgery to remove a cyst, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

The FIFA World Cup: A model for sustainability

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:45:00 GMT

As the world’s biggest single sporting event, the FIFA World Cup™ has a wide-reaching responsibility that extends far beyond the tournament itself. It is for that reason that sustainability in all areas of society and ecology will play such a significant role at Brazil 2014.

Pharaohs flourishing through fight

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:33:00 GMT

Former Egyptian international Rabie Yassin has already led his U-20 team to continental glory and now he's hoping the hard-working side can make a major impact at Turkey 2013, with guts and graft their primary tools.

Russia launches major Infrastructure Programme for 2018

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:39:00 GMT

An Infrastructure Programme for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia has been sanctioned by the country’s government. The decision was taken at a Russian government cabinet meeting on Thursday 13 June.

Oduamadi and Balotelli hit the ground running

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:13:32 GMT

Forwards Nnamdi Oduamadi and Mario Balotelli head the Castrol Index after the first round of group games but that does not tell the whole story, with a cluster of defenders impressing too.

Trio book passage to Brazil

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:58:00 GMT

Australia downed Iraq 1-0 to qualify for Brazil 2014, while Iran edged Korea Republic 1-0 to get to Brazil, though Korea Republic also qualified on goal differential despite Uzbekistan's 5-1 win over Qatar.

Russia 2018 stresses fan focus at IFA summit

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:42:51 GMT

The chief executive of the Local Organising Committee for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, Alexey Sorokin, has taken part in the Financial Times/International Football Arena summit in Rio de Janeiro on 17 June.

Home run firing Brazil belief

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:18:29 GMT

With Brazil's unbeaten run on home soil stretching back over a decade, we spoke to some of A Seleção to try to find the secret behind the side's remarkable home record.

Further disciplinary proceedings opened against Equatorial Guinea

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:11:23 GMT

Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Equatorial Guinea Football Federation for having allegedly fielded an ineligible player for a second time in the preliminary competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Who will win Turkey 2013?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:48:00 GMT

From 21 June, 24 teams will battle it out in Turkey to succeed Brazil as U-20 world champions. FIFA.com wants to hear who you think will win the title.

Experience Turkey 2013 on FIFA.com

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:37:00 GMT

Exclusive videos, photographs, interviews, features and live MatchCasts will form the basis of FIFA.com's coverage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup over the next month.

Suarez: We’ll bounce back

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:11:00 GMT

Luis Suarez speaks to FIFA.com about Uruguay's opening match 2-1 defeat to Spain at Brazil 2013, the support they received from the stands and his own spectacular landmark goal.

Kennedy books Australia's place

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:42:00 GMT

Substitute Josh Kennedy's late goal has taken Australia through to Brazil 2014 with a nervy and hard-fought 1-0 win over Iraq.

Mutschke: Protests should not impact U-20s

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:17:00 GMT

After meeting with officials in Istanbul, FIFA Director of Security Ralf Mutschke has said he believes the ongoing protests in Turkey should not impact the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Owen indebted to Malaysian education

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:14:31 GMT

Former England striker Michael Owen speaks to FIFA.com about his memories of coming up against Cambiasso, Riquelme, Aimar and Co. in a memorable FIFA U-20 World Cup encounter in 1997.

Big guns fire, Down Under rivals spar

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s look at women’s football this week takes in action for USA and Germany, with the latter continuing to impress in their UEFA Women’s EURO build-up, while Australia found the going tough against old rivals New Zealand.

Tahitians savour goal-scoring glory

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:45:46 GMT

Jonathan Tehau tells FIFA.com about his historic goal for Tahiti – the nation’s first in a senior FIFA competition – and the poignant goal celebration which followed.

Keshi thankful as Nigeria emerge unscathed

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:28:00 GMT

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, already shorn of numerous key personnel, said he was relieved to get through their FIFA Confederations Cup opener against Tahiti without suffering any further injuries.

Eaglets counting on spirit to soar

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:54:26 GMT

After a poor performance in Colombia two years ago, Mali coach Mussa Keita tells FIFA.com he is keen to see his side step up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup this time around.

Tehau makes dreams come true

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:13:00 GMT

Although Nigeria jumped to the top of the Group B standings with a 6-1 win over Tahiti, the most memorable moment of the day came when Jonathan Tehau scored their first ever goal in a FIFA competition.

Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo getting familiar

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:08:29 GMT

We chat to Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo, with the Brazilian pair looking to build a strong relationship in A Seleção's midfield at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Hasebe: We have to stop Pirlo

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:06:00 GMT

When Italy face Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Japanese captain Makoto Hasebe will have one very specific task. He is the man to stop Italy schemer Andrea Pirlo, who was in imperious form in their victory over Mexico.

Nigeria ease to victory as Tahiti win friends

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:53:00 GMT

Jonathan Tehau scored a historic goal in Tahiti's first match at a senior FIFA tournament, but they were no match for Nigeria who completed a 6-1 victory.

Zaccheroni plots homeland’s downfall

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:39:30 GMT

There were differing fortunes for Italy and Japan in their opening matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. Now both sides travel to the Arena Pernambuco in Recife for their second game in Group A.

A day to remember in Brasilia

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:45:36 GMT

A performer in Saturday’s opening ceremony of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, alongside his wife, Rafael Ruscher gave FIFA.com an account of his experience.

Restrepo: We want to keep our flag flying high

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:42:00 GMT

Colombia coach Carlos Restrepo tells FIFA.com that Falcao and Freddy Guarin have sent supportive messages to his U-20 players, weights up their group-stage opponents and discusses their desire to lift the trophy.

Made in Germany, an American star emerges

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:29:08 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with USA's new Germany-born winger Fabian Johnson to talk about the differences between football in the Bundesliga and CONCACAF, and his hopes for more success with the Stars and Stripes.

Make-or-break Brazil test for Mexico

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:06:00 GMT

Brazil and Mexico meet in Group A on Wednesday in very different frames of mind. While the hosts are looking to maintain their promising form, El Tri need points to stay in the competition.

A reunion and a record in Belo Horizonte

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:17:00 GMT

Nigeria will be out to protect a proud statistic when they meet Tahiti. FIFA.com highlights a key individual duel and recalls South Africa's duel with New Zealand four years ago to the day.

Isco: I have propositions from City and Real

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:31:00 GMT

Malaga playmaker Isco has disclosed that he has received offers from Manchester City and Real Madrid and discussed whether Manuel Pellegrini assuming the English club's reins will influence a decision on his future.

USA, Costa Rica aim to increase gap

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:27:49 GMT

With Mexico away at the FIFA Confederations Cup, Hexagonal leaders USA and Costa Rica are keen to keep up their sizzling form and get a jump on their rivals in CONCACAF qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Asia’s finale sees three spots up for grabs

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:24:00 GMT

The final round of Asian qualifying is set to be a tense and gripping affair with three tickets to Brazil 2014 to be decided, while the nations to feature in the play-off will also be determined.

Brazil versus Japan in a fish fight!

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:16:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s is from the Brazil-Japan match on Saturday – the one in a Yokohama fish tank, that is!

Owen: I’m proud I was at the top so long

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:21:00 GMT

In an intriguingly honest interview with FIFA.com, Michael Owen admits he was never the same player after sustaining a hamstring injury as a 19-year-old and discusses his successes, regrets and future in the game.

Korea aim to take Asian supremacy to grander stage

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:19:00 GMT

Having led his side to the continental crown last year, Korea Republic captain Lee Changgeun remains confident of his team’s ability heading into Turkey 2013.

Turkish football's splendid trajectory

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:03:00 GMT

Ahead of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup commencing later this week, we take a look back at the rich and, at times, intriguing history of Turkey’s association with the beautiful game.

Neill: We are not thinking about Brazil

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:14:00 GMT

Australia captain Lucas Neill says the Socceroos have no thoughts of complacency despite needing only a home win against an already eliminated Iraq, who are missing several key players, to book passage to Brazil.

Del Bosque: Only our finishing let us down

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:05:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says he is delighted with his team's FIFA Confederations Cup opening victory against Uruguay and believes only poor finishing prevented a greater winning margin.

Soldado: Confeds perfect end to season

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks to Roberto Soldado, who made up for previous disappointments with Spain by taking advantage of his opportunity and scoring against Uruguay.

Pirlo the peerless, Spain sublime

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:59:00 GMT

On the second matchday of the FIFA Confederations Cup, there was a masterclass of the art of free-kick taking from centurion Andrea Pirlo and Uruguay's Luis Suarez, but only the former ended up on the winning side.

Pirlo in a class of his own

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:30:19 GMT

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo marked his 100th cap for his country with a superb goal and the Budweiser Man of the Match award, delighting the fans and his team-mates in the process.

Dominant Spain down Uruguay

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:55:00 GMT

Spain beat Uruguay 2-1 in the opening game in Group B of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup thanks to first half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado.

Valcke: Thank you to all the volunteers

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:13:00 GMT

The day after the opening game at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 between hosts Brazil and Japan, FIFA.com spoke to FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke about the work of volunteers and the match in Brasilia.

Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt lead charge

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:12:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt and a handful of other teams secured qualification for the final round of African qualifiers for Brazil 2014, but many groups are open with one matchday left to play.

Centurion Pirlo and Balotelli see off Mexico

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:53:00 GMT

A brilliant Andrea Pirlo free-kick, on his 100th international appearance, and a 78th-minute Mario Balotelli effort earned Italy a 2-1 win over Mexico in their Brazil 2013 opener.

Disciplinary proceedings opened against three member associations

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:24:00 GMT

FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against three member associations for each having allegedly fielded an ineligible player in the preliminary competition for Brazil 2014.