FIFA.com - News

Swiss steal the show

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:22:00 GMT

A great day's action included a classic encounter between Brazil and Italy, and two teams meeting for the first time, as Russia took on Switzerland.

Dubai 2009: Semi-finals preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:15:00 GMT

The semi-finals of Dubai 2009 feature two mouth-watering ties, as Portugal take on world champions Brazil and newcomers Switzerland battle Uruguay.

Uruguay join final four party

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:08:00 GMT

Uruguay toppled Spain to advance to the semi-finals and extend their stretch of consecutive wins to three, ending La Roja's Dubai 2009 journey.

Iraqi Football Association suspended

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:01:00 GMT

The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided to suspend the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) due to governmental interference.

Hour of reckoning in Mexico

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:00 GMT

Eight sides are poised to battle it out in Mexico's post-season play-offs. FIFA.com runs the rule over this hopeful octet as they aim for the Apertura.

New World trio push through

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:22:00 GMT

USA finished top dogs in CONCACAF qualifying for the world finals, and will be followed to South Africa by old rivals Mexico and hopeful Honduras.

Brazil disappoint Italy again

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:34:00 GMT

Brazil advanced to the semi-finals after delivering a repeat performance of the Marseille 2008 final, once again dismissing the brave Italians.

Cafu’s special South African mission

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:04:00 GMT

Brazil's most capped player has seen a lot of World Cup action in his time, but after getting to see Soccer City stadium, Cafu is certain 2010 will be a very special occasion.

Swiss breach Fortress Russia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:57:00 GMT

The Swiss recovered from their loss to Brazil on the last day of the group stages to send the vigorous Russians home empty-handed.

Ferguson: The league starts now

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Chelsea's five-point Premier League is "not insurmountable" and backed Manchester United to claw their way back.

Smith rules out Scotland return

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Rangers manager Walter Smith has ruled himself out of the running to succeed George Burley as Scotland manager, a post he held before returning to Ibrox.

African qualifying review

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back on the thrills and spills in the African Zone, where Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria all made it through.

Portugal end Japan’s run

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Perennial powerhouse Portugal advanced to the Dubai 2009 semi-finals after ending Japan's impressive unbeaten run here at Jumeirah Beach.

Saint Jude’s Mengão renaissance

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:54:00 GMT

Flamengo were sliding towards a relegation battle just three months ago, but an improbable revival has thrust the Carioca giants into title contention.

FIFA statement on FAI request

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:03:00 GMT

FIFA has today replied to the request made by the Football Association of Ireland to replay their FIFA World Cup play-off match against France in Paris.

World Leagues preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Title races will hot up in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Korea Republic at the weekend, while a thrilling climax to the campaign ensues in the USA.

Spain regain leadership from Brazil

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:00 GMT

The European champions are back on top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, moving ahead of Brazil, who had been in pole position since July.

Black Eagles versus Yellow Canaries

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:20:00 GMT

As Besiktas and Fenerbahce prepare to engage in battle again, FIFA.com looks into the history of the fixture between teams from different continents.

European Leagues preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:39:00 GMT

Under-pressure sides Liverpool and Bayern Munich face huge tests at home, while Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan have away examinations to pass.

Centurion Casillas tells Real to focus

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:32:00 GMT

Real Madrid must concentrate on this week's match against Racing Santander says goalkeeper Iker Casillas and forget the looming derby against Barcelona.

Inter, Juve prepare for looming showdown

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT

Leaders Inter Milan will look to maintain their five-point gap on Juventus ahead of the derby between the two in a fortnight.

Desperate Liverpool face City crunch

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:24:00 GMT

Liverpool face a tough test against Manchester City as the Reds attempt to resurrect their season in the pick of this weekend's Premier League action.

Ecuadorians ease to final in style

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:53:00 GMT

Ecuador's Liga De Quito will face Fluminense of Brazil in the Copa Sudamericana final after a stunning 7-0 defeat of Uruguay's River Plate.

Galaxy seek title to cap turnaround

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:36:00 GMT

A star-studded LA Galaxy will face Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final on Sunday seeking the title after recovering from a horrendous opening to the season.

Donovan named top in MLS

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:18:00 GMT

USA forward Landon Donovan has been named Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player after helping LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final.

FIFA opens investigation

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:35:00 GMT

FIFA has today officially opened disciplinary proceedings related to the Egypt and Algeria match in Cairo on Saturday 14 November 2009.

Next week on FIFA.com

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:00 GMT

Can't wait to see what FIFA.com has in store for you next week? Every Thursday, we offer fans an inside look at the interviews, features and stories arriving next week on FIFA.com.

Ticos left to rue first-leg reverse

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Sadness and resignation: just two of the emotions discussed in the Costa Rican media after the national team's play-off defeat against Uruguay.

And Uruguay makes five

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:00 GMT

South American qualifying for South Africa ended with Uruguay and Chile making their returns to the top alongside Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Dubai 2009: Quarter-finals preview

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:12:00 GMT

The quarter-finals of Dubai 2009 take place on Friday and include a replay of the Marseille 2008 final, as defending champions Brazil take on Italy.

Bellamy concerned over career

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:53:00 GMT

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy fears he may only have two years left in his career.

Paris salutes Les Fennecs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:43:00 GMT

Joy erupted on the streets of Paris as Algerian fans based in the city went out to celebrate qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA/FIFPro World XI award introduced

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

FIFA and FIFPro have joined forces to honour the year's best 11 players with the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award, which will be presented next month.

Queiroz hails his troops

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:48:00 GMT

Carlos Queiroz has hailed his players' fighting spirit after a battling performance in Bosnia-Herzegovina secured them a spot in South Africa.

Santander turn to Portugal

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:47:00 GMT

Racing Santander have confirmed the appointment of Miguel Angel Portugal as their new coach.

The storyline has changed

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:20:00 GMT

With the last of the 32 places for 2010 booked , Dr Jordaan welcomed in a new phase on the road to 2010 as the qualified countries flags were raised into the skies around Soccer City.

Ricar: We can reach the final

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:18:00 GMT

The Dubai 2009 rest day could hardly have come at a better time for Uruguay, as they supported their nation's bid for South Africa 2010.

Ferguson to miss Pompey and Spurs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be in the dugout at Old Trafford on Saturday when his side face Everton.

Make or break for Bayern

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Bayern Munich are preparing for the "game of the season" in the Bundesliga this weekend, according to their general manager Uli Hoeness.

Saad dies after heart attack

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:00 GMT

A United Arab Emirates footballer collapsed and died during a routine training session after suffering a massive heart attack yesterday.

Russia stunned by failure

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Russian press and fans were left shocked after the national side's defeat to Slovenia in the return play-off match left them out of the FIFA World Cup.

Istanbul begins second CIES programme

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:02:00 GMT

The Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul officially opened the second session of the FIFA/CIES Sport Management Programme on 11 November.

Ramos, Japan’s Brazilian guru

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:00 GMT

Japan have pulled off the surprise of the Dubai 2009 so far, topping Group B with three victories to advance to the last eight in style.

A must-win menu in 12

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:42:00 GMT

With international duty over, everyones' attention turns once again to club football. Round 12 includes massive games in Europe, South America and Asia.

Five shortlisted for AFC award

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:33:00 GMT

Japan has two candidates among five finalists for the AFC's Player of the Year, as Yasuhito Endo returns for a second chance at the title.

Swiss banking on unity

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:22:00 GMT

Tournament newcomers Switzerland will rely on their team cohesion as they head into their quarter-final tie with Group C winners Russia.

African superstars await fate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:16:00 GMT

African superstars Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Michael Essien will discover who they face at the 2010 CAF African Nations Cup in Angola on Friday.

Low applauds resilient Germany

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:07:00 GMT

Germany coach Joachim Low praised his side for their performance in last night's 2-2 draw with Côte d'Ivoire in what were difficult circumstances.

Peru on the renaissance trail

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:50:00 GMT

They may have finished bottom of South American qualifying for South Africa 2010, but a fine finish to the campaign has lifted Peru up the global ladder.

Joy and foreboding for Azzurri

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:43:00 GMT

The Italians had to hold their breath after their win over Costa Rica, but managed to qualify and earn another date with Brazil.

Hiddink tight-lipped on future

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:34:00 GMT

Coach Guus Hiddink was giving nothing away regarding his future as his Russia side were denied a place at the World Cup finals by Slovenia