FIFA.com - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

History repeats for Bahrain

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:08:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke exclusively to some of Bahrain's players after their defeat to New Zealand in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa play-offs.

Parreira: We will improve

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:01:00 GMT

Carlos Alberto Parreira speaks to FIFA.com about his return to the South Africa hot-seat and belief that Bafana Bafana will improve in time for 2010.

Tabarez vows improved Uruguay

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:13:00 GMT

Oscar Tabarez says his Uruguay side will improve considerably ahead of South Africa 2010 following their narrow play-off victory against Costa Rica.

La Celeste clinch last finals berth

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:19:00 GMT

The list of qualified teams for South Africa 2010 was completed by Uruguay, who edged out play-off opponents Costa Rica 2-1 on aggregate.

Kek hails Slovenia's historic night

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:06:00 GMT

Slovenia's qualification for South Africa 2010 was described as a historic national moment by coach Matjaz Kek after their play-off win over Russia.

Uruguay last to the table

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:20:00 GMT

Uruguay drew 1-1 with Costa Rica on Wednesday to seal qualification for South Africa 2010, becoming the final team to book their ticket.

Final four win through in Europe

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:33:00 GMT

France, Portugal, Slovenia and Greece were the teams left celebrating at the end of a dramatic evening of play-off action in the European Zone.

Gallas breaks Irish hearts

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

France stumbled through to South Africa 2010 with an unconvincing 2-1 aggregate win over an excellent Republic of Ireland side in Paris.

Portugal seal South Africa berth

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:53:00 GMT

A second-half strike by Raul Meireles was enough to break Bosnian hearts and send 2006 semi-finalists Portugal through to the FIFA World Cup.

Dedic sends Slovenia through

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:26:00 GMT

Slovenia reached the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ finals at the expense of nine-man Russia thanks to Zlatko Dedic's 44th-minute goal in Maribor.

Charisteas: It's simply fantastic

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:43:00 GMT

Greece striker Angelos Charisteas toasted another significant chapter in Greek football after Otto Rehhagel's team reached South Africa 2010.

Algerian joy over 2010 berth

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:35:00 GMT

Algerians home and abroad exploded with joy as the final whistle sounded in Khartoum to send the country to its first world finals since 1986.

Greeks return to world stage

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Greece edged Ukraine to reach South Africa 2010 with a 1-0 win in Donetsk, returning to the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since USA 1994.

Yahia the hero for Algeria

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:15:00 GMT

Antar Yahia's spectacular first half goal earned Algeria the final African qualifying spot in next year's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

SA's 2010 rhythm

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:33:00 GMT

The Diski Dance is taking South Africa by storm as people around the country prepare to show the World a good time during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Asian qualifying review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:06:00 GMT

Twenty-five months of drama ended in FIFA World Cup qualification for four teams and heartbreak for countless others - none more so than Bahrain.

Uruguay out to thwart fightback

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:03:00 GMT

Uruguay have a FIFA World Cup™ berth within their grasp as they welcome play-off rivals Costa Rica to Montevideo but the visitors can draw hope from history as they seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:33:00 GMT

Global qualifying for South Africa 2010 commenced in the Oceania zone in mid-2007 and culminated over two years later as New Zealand qualified.

Keane bullish about Irish chances

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:04:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland forward Robbie Keane says his team enjoys the role of underdog going into the FIFA World Cup play-off decider against France.

Henry warns against complacency

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:56:00 GMT

France still have a lot of work to do to reach South Africa 2010 according to Thierry Henry, despite a 1-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Second 2010 ticket sales phase extended until 20 November 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:53:00 GMT

To meet the demand by the football fans especially in the qualified countries it was decided to extend the second sales phase until 20 November 2009.

Pharaohs bidding to repeat history

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:35:00 GMT

Egypt this week celebrated the twentieth anniversary of qualifying for their last FIFA World Cup with fans hoping the omens are a positive.

Godin: We're not there yet

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Uruguay hold the advantage in their South Africa 2010 play-off against Costa Rica but defender Diego Godin says there is still hard work ahead.

Blazevic plots Portugal's downfall

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:28:00 GMT

Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Miroslav Blazevic has said his team still have a real chance of advancing to the FIFA World Cup by beating Portugal.

Misimovic: Prepared for anything

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with Bosnian playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic for an exclusive interview ahead of the key second leg clash with Portugal.

Ticos target Centenario surprise

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:00 GMT

After losing 1-0 at home in Saprissa, Costa Rica now have it all to do to reach South Africa, as they now must beat Uruguay at the fabled Centenario.

The road through the Garden

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:37:00 GMT

Running along South Africa's south eastern coast, The Garden Route is a spectacular coastal stretch of mountains, forests, lakes and beaches.

Coupet: Lloris is a phenomenon

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:25:00 GMT

After helping France on to the cusp of South Africa 2010 qualification, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has earned high praise from Gregory Coupet.

Egypt-Algeria Statement

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:46:00 GMT

Until the process of reviewing reports of the Egypt-Algeria match has been finalised, FIFA will not make any comment or provide details on this procedure.

Participants' preparations continue

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:44:00 GMT

As the final FIFA World Cup places are fought over, 16 of the teams already assured of their 2010 berths will be in friendly action this midweek.

Bosnia to take attacking approach

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:23:00 GMT

Bosnia-Herzegovina will go on the front foot against Portugal says coach Miroslav Blazevic as the nation attempts to qualify for its first FIFA World Cup.

Trapattoni optimistic for France challenge

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:52:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni's remains defiant about his team's chances against France in Paris on Wednesday despite a first-leg deficit.

Hiddink: There's no room for panic

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Russia coach Guus Hiddink remains optimistic ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup play-off against Slovenia in Maribor on Wednesday.

Shevchenko warns of tough battle ahead

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:53:00 GMT

Ukraine star forward Andrei Shevchenko says he expects the second leg FIFA World Cup play-off tie against Greece to be a tough battle.

Anelka: Attack best form of defence

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:12:00 GMT

France striker Nicolas Anelka says his team need to play to win against Republic of Ireland in Wednesday's South Africa 2010 play-off.

Irish upbeat ahead of Paris showdown

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Marco Tardelli has said that the Republic of Ireland players remain hopeful of upsetting France despite their first leg defeat in Dublin.

European qualifiers preview

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:36:00 GMT

France, Portugal and Russia will all carry one-goal advantages into the second legs of their play-offs, while Ukraine and Greece begin level in Donetsk.

A city’s pride and joy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:53:00 GMT

Nelson Mandela Bay is the first 2010 stadium to be completed and the city’s residents came out in full force to get a sneak preview of the festivities of next year.

Fallon rises to the occasion

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:54:00 GMT

Rory Fallon only made his full international debut recently, but the forward became an instant icon by heading New Zealand into South Africa 2010.