The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first held in Asia and the first co-hosted by two nations, producing major upsets and Brazil's record fifth title.
Key Facts
- Dates
- 31 May – 30 June 2002
- Teams competing
- 32
- Final score
- Brazil 2–0 Germany
- Fastest World Cup goal
- 10.8 seconds (Turkey vs South Korea) seconds
- Brazil World Cup titles
- 5 (first country to achieve)
- World Cup debutants
- China, Ecuador, Senegal, Slovenia
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
FIFA awarded the 2002 World Cup jointly to South Korea and Japan, marking a deliberate expansion of the tournament beyond its traditional Americas and European hosts. This was the 17th edition of the quadrennial men's championship, with 32 national teams qualifying through continental competition.
Held from 31 May to 30 June 2002 across venues in Japan and South Korea, the tournament featured prominent upsets including the group-stage exits of defending champions France and second favourites Argentina. Brazil defeated Germany 2–0 in the final at Yokohama, while South Korea became the first non-UEFA/CONMEBOL/CONCACAF side to reach the semi-finals.
Brazil became the only nation to win five World Cup titles. The tournament's upsets reshaped perceptions of Asian football's competitiveness. It was the last World Cup to use the golden goal rule and the last to use a single ball design throughout, prompting rule and equipment changes from 2006 onward.
Result
at International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan