FIFA.com - News

Nasri returns to France squad

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:35:00 GMT

Samir Nasri has been named in the France squad for the first time in ten months as Dider Deschamps prepares to take his side to South America for friendlies against Uruguay and Brazil.

Clichy unhappy over France snub

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:57:00 GMT

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has expressed his unhappiness at his continued omission from the France squad, insisting: "I deserve my place".

Ramos: Fans' criticism hurt

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:51:00 GMT

Sergio Ramos has admitted the criticism Spain received from fans after their FIFA World Cup™ draw with Finland hurt, but he was very pleased to climb back to the top of Group I with their win over France.

Deschamps: Spain are the best

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:37:00 GMT

Didier Deschamps hailed Spain as the greatest international side, but was still disappointed with his side after they squandered several good chances in Paris.

Spain triumph, Montenegro hold firm

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up another massive evening of European Brazil 2014 qualifying highlighted by a crucial win for world champions Spain on their trip to Paris, while Montenegro and England remain evenly poised after a hard-fought draw.

Spain edge crucial win in Paris

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:25:00 GMT

World champions Spain have reinvigorated their Brazil 2014 qualification hopes after a crucial 1-0 win over group rivals France in Paris thanks to a lone second-half strike from Pedro.

Iniesta versus Ribery in numbers

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:40:00 GMT

Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery are of similar age, positions and importance to their respective club and country. Ahead of their latest encounter, FIFA.com juxtaposes the pair.

Del Bosque calls for calm

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:59:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has said that he understands criticism of his side, but feels they are well placed to put on a good performance against France.

Deschamps cautious, Pique unphased

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:00 GMT

France coach Didier Deschamps still believes that Spain are the best team in the world ahead of their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier after the world champions' draw with Finland, a result which Gerard Pique is taking in his stride.

Crunch time for former champions

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Spain's trip to France is among the eye-catching fixtures in Tuesday's European Zone FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA.com previews the action.

Cazorla: We can’t afford to slip up

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 03:58:00 GMT

Friday’s draw with Finland has piled pressure on world champions Spain ahead of Tuesday’s trip to face group leaders France in the hunt for Brazil 2014 qualification, though La Roja midfielder Santi Cazorla insists he still has “total faith”.

Cazorla: It makes no sense to doubt Spain

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:21:00 GMT

Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has insisted that "it makes no sense" for the FIFA World Cup™-holders' detractors to doubt them, despite back-to-back draws in qualifying Group I.

Alba to miss France game

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:09:00 GMT

Jordi Alba has been ruled out of Spain's crucial FIFA World Cup™ qualifier with France after suffering a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Finland.

Spain stumble, Portugal rescue point

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 23:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from a massive evening of Brazil 2014 qualifiers in Europe highlighted by a shock draw at home for world champions Spain against Finland, while Portugal narrowly avoided defeat in Israel.

France down Georgia to take group control

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:38:00 GMT

Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery got the goals as France beat Georgia 3-1 to make themselves favourites for Group I's automatic ticket to Brazil.

Pressure on in Europe as Brazil 2014 draws nearer

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to today's 24 qualifying matches in Europe, with the meeting of Croatia and Serbia just one of several tasty encounters in prospect.

Ramos: We cannot live in the past

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:49:00 GMT

WIth a crucial week in their quest to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, Sergio Ramos - who is set to become Spain's youngest player to earn 100 caps - insists the world champions must not live in the past.

Busquets: Barça and Real players are in the same ship

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:07:00 GMT

Sergio Busquets has insisted there is no divide between the Barcelona and Real Madrid players while they are on international duty, and outlined the importance of the France-Spain clash.

Diarra: My France career is finished

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:12:00 GMT

Lassana Diarra has insisted his international career is over and explained the reasons he feels he was overlooked by France coaches Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps.

Ramos: I want to be in Spain's history books

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:56:00 GMT

Sergio Ramos has expressed his satisfaction at being on the cusp of reaching 100 caps for Spain and discussed their upcoming Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Finland and France.

Debuchy to miss France qualifiers

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:29:00 GMT

Newcastle full-back Mathieu Debuchy has withdrawn from the France squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Spain due to the thigh injury suffered in yesterday's defeat at Wigan Athletic.

Del Bosque denies negative selection

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:16:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has dismissed suggestions that his squad for crucial FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers against Finland and France is lacking in forwards.

France summon Varane, Remy and Pogba for Spain

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Didier Deschamps has handed a first call-up to Paul Pogba for France's Brazil 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Spain, and recalled Raphael Varane and Loic Remy.

Valbuena: I have to prove myself more

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:38:00 GMT

Marseille and France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena speaks to FIFA.com about his rise from playing in France's fifth tier to showcasing his talents in the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup™.

Duo remain perfect, France troubling Spain

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 07:32:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the European race for Brazil 2014 places so far, including crucial games and goals and an intriguing stat, and looks at some of the biggest upcoming clashes.

Del Bosque: I listen to criticism and value it

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:52:00 GMT

In the second of a two-part interview, Vicente Del Bosque chats to FIFA.com about the differences of coaching in club and international football, handling criticism and Spain’s quest to reach Brazil 2014.

M'Vila hit with big ban

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:45:00 GMT

Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila is unlikely to feature at the FIFA World Cup™ in 2014 after being suspended from international duty for two years by the French Football Federation (FFF).

Del Bosque rues injury disruptions

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:23:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says that injuries to David Silva and Alvaro Arbeloa proved decisive as France scored a late equaliser to end the world champions' run of 24 consecutive FIFA World Cup™ qualifying wins.

Sting in the tail for Germany, Spain

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:58:00 GMT

Surprise results littered Tuesday's 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification, as Germany let slip a four goal lead to draw 4-4 with Sweden, Northern Ireland held Portugal and France stunned Spain to grab a point in the closing seconds.

Giroud ends Spain's remarkable run

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:34:00 GMT

France secured a precious point in Spain with virtually the last kick of the game thanks to Olivier Giroud's header in an entertaining Brazil 2014 qualifier in Madrid.

Pedro: France will be tough

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:25:00 GMT

Pedro Rodriguez believes Spain's FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against France will be a big challenge for the reigning champions, despite Les Bleus' defeat to Japan last week.

Excitement as Euro elite face off

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Five games pit table-toppers against close rivals on Matchday 4 of European Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, as FIFA.com explains.

Deschamps unworried by French injury crisis

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:11:00 GMT

France coach Didier Deschamps warned there was no worry in his camp ahead of a tough Brazil 2014 qualifier against world champions Spain despite something of an injury crisis.

Chantome replaces Diarra in France squad

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:10:00 GMT

Clement Chantome has replaced the injured Lassana Diarra in France's squad for the friendly with Japan and the Brazil 2014 qualifier against Spain after the latter injured his back playing for Anzhi Makhachkala on the weekend.

Martinez back in Spain squad

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:24:00 GMT

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has recalled Javi Martinez in place of the injured Gerard Pique as his only change for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and France.

Diarra recalled, no place for Nasri

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:34:00 GMT

Lassana Diarra has been included in Didier Deschamps' 23-man France squad for their friendly against Japan and FIFA World Cup qualifier with holders Spain this month.

Deschamps: It's always good to win

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:48:00 GMT

France manager Didier Deschamps was pleased with his side's three-goal outing against Belarus, however, has warned against complacency in a difficult qualifying group.

Powerhouses make steady progress

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:23:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying action from Europe on a positive evening for the continent's major nations, although both Germany and Spain were made to work overtime before collecting wins.

France beat Belarus for strong start

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:01:00 GMT

Thanks to first-time international goals from Etienne Capoue and Christophe Jallet, and an insurance strike from Franck Ribery, France secured a 3-1 win over Belarus in Brazil 2014 qualifying.

World champions join the party

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:26:00 GMT

After a dramatic opening weekend of FIFA World Cup qualifying action in the European Zone, Spain begin their campaign tomorrow with a match in Georgia. FIFA.com looks ahead to all the action in the old continent.

Giroud: France have to show ambition

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:05:00 GMT

Olivier Giroud speaks to FIFA.com about adjusting to life in the English Premier League with Arsenal, and the challenge of winning a place with France and upsetting Spain in the Brazil 2014 qualifiers.

Deschamps hails 'complete' Diaby

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:31:00 GMT

After his match-winning goal against Finland yesterday, France coach Didier Deschamps labelled Abou Diaby "a complete midfielder", following his return from a long-running injury saga.

Big guns hit ground running

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 23:56:00 GMT

The likes of England, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal made winning starts to European Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014, while Italy were held to a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria.

Diaby return sparks French in Finn win

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:42:00 GMT

Abou Diaby marked his return to international football with the only goal of the game as France began their bid to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ finals with a 1-0 win against Finland.

Valbuena: We can do better than Spain

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:37:00 GMT

Mathieu Valbuena insists France have what it takes to pip Spain to first place in Group I as the European Zone FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers for Brazil 2014 begin on Friday evening.

Road to Brazil begins in Europe

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:41:00 GMT

All 53 European member associations will be involved in the first round of FIFA World Cup preliminaries this Friday and Saturday as the road to Brazil begins in the Old Continent.

Menez back for France

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:04:00 GMT

Jeremy Menez has been recalled to the France squad for the FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers against Finland and Belarus in early September.

Deschamps: I may do things differently

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:53:00 GMT

New France coach Didier Deschamps has said that he has spoken to his predecessor, Laurent Blanc, although he says he may take a different approach to the man he replaced.

European qualifying fixtures announced

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:52:00 GMT

All but two of the Groups in European Zone qualifying for Brazil 2014 have had their fixtures finalised, with England, France, Italy and Spain starting out away to Moldova, Finland, Bulgaria and Georgia respectively.

Stange: Don't take Belarus lightly

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from Bernd Stange, the German coach currently masterminding the meteoric rise of a Belarus side currently challenging France for a place at UEFA EURO 2012.

Del Bosque: We can’t focus just on France

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:12:00 GMT

“I’m not euphoric but I’m not sad either. We need to accept it because that’s the way fate wanted it, and we’ll live with the consequences,” Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.