2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier

Australia qualify for World Cup

Australia beat Honduras 3-1 in the second leg of their intercontinental playoff on Wednesday to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia.

Denmark rout Ireland with Eriksen treble to reach World Cup

Denmark's Christian Eriksen scores a hat-trick in a 5-1 thrashing of a disjointed Ireland in their playoff second leg to secure the final European berth at next year's World Cup.

Ecuador suspend five for indiscipline before Argentina game

Five Ecuadorian football players have been suspended from the national side for indiscipline after sneaking out of their team hotel ahead of a 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in Quito, the Ecuadorian Football Federation says.

Salah goals take Egypt to 2018 World Cup

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah converted a stoppage-time penalty to give Egypt a dramatic 2-1 win over Congo Brazzaville and a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Argentine hopes on the line in crucial Peru clash

Argentina's stumbling 2018 World Cup qualification campaign faces another awkward hurdle as the misfiring South American giants take on in-form Peru in Buenos Aires.

Argentina, Chile seek advantage in S.America race

Lionel Messi and Argentina will seek to maintain the pressure on Chile with a victory over Venezuela on Tuesday as South America's 2018 World Cup qualifying race enters the home stretch.

Queiroz from Man Utd enforcer to Mr. World Cup

Carlos Queiroz was once Alex Ferguson's formidable number two at Manchester United, now he carves out a new reputation: the man who can take your team to the World Cup.

Tears, anger as China's World Cup dream fades

Marcello Lippi's China vows to fight on after their 2018 World Cup hopes were all but destroyed when Syria's late equaliser left them bottom of their qualifying group and with their captain in tears.

Southgate heartened by England's resolve

England manager Gareth Southgate says his team's last-gasp 2-2 draw against Scotland demonstrated the kind of mental fortitude he is trying to instill in his players.

March 24, 2017
March 24, 2017

Stand-in skipper Yoshida 'buzzing' after Japan win

Japan defender Maya Yoshida said he was "buzzing" after leading his side to a 2-0 victory in Thursday's World Cup qualifier against United Arab Emirates in place of injured skipper Makoto Hasebe.

March 22, 2017
March 22, 2017

Tight security for tense China v South Korea qualifier

Chinese authorities have stepped up security for Thursday's tense World Cup qualifier against South Korea, whose fans will receive a police escort after protests over Seoul's decision to deploy a controversial missile defence system.

March 17, 2017
March 17, 2017

Mali banned from international football

Mali has been suspended from international football after the West African country's sports minister sacked the executive committee of its football federation, soccer's governing body FIFA said on Friday.

March 5, 2017
March 5, 2017

Souza replaces Jesus

Veteran forward Diego Souza was called up to replace injured Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus as Brazil made three changes to their squad for upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay on Friday.

March 4, 2017
March 4, 2017

Football: FIFA chief ‘confident’ of video officials at World Cup

Video assistance for referees could be a reality at next year's World Cup finals despite teething problems when they were tested at the Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday.

March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017

Football: Former FIFA secretary general Valcke appeals 10-year ban

Former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his 10-year ban from football, the tribunal said on Tuesday.

February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017

FIFA backs St. Petersburg pitch

FIFA on Monday said it was confident problems plaguing the pitch at the new Saint Petersburg stadium will be fixed in time for the Confederations Cup in June.

February 1, 2017
February 1, 2017

Football: Trump policies cloud potential US World Cup bid

President Donald Trump's controversial immigration policies could hurt an expected U.S. bid to host the 2026 World Cup although plenty of time remains for concerns to ease before the decision by world soccer's governing body FIFA.

January 27, 2017
January 27, 2017

Football: Chinese clubs more than double spending on international transfers

Chinese soccer clubs spent over $450 million on international transfers last year, around 2-1/2 times more than the year before, according to a FIFA subsidiary report released on Friday.

January 18, 2017
January 18, 2017

FIFA warns Liverpool over Matip

FIFA warned Liverpool on Monday they cannot play Joel Matip unless Africa Cup of Nations participants Cameroon give the Premier League title-chasers permission.