2002 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by South Korea and Japan

Format and participants

The structure followed the established 32-team format: eight groups of four teams in a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each group progressing to a single-elimination knockout phase (round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place play-off and final). Teams qualified through regional confederation tournaments and play-offs, bringing a diverse field from every FIFA confederation. The competition showcased both established powers and smaller teams achieving surprising results.

Hosts and venues

South Korea and Japan served as joint hosts, sharing stadiums, organization and match duties — a first for the tournament. Matches were played across multiple modernized venues in both countries, with the championship match held at the International Stadium, Yokohama (the final venue). The co-hosting arrangement was intended to boost infrastructure, regional cooperation and fan access in East Asia (South Korea and Japan).

Notable matches and results

The tournament produced several memorable moments: unexpected wins by underdogs, deep runs by non-traditional powers, and high-scoring performances. One of the most discussed outcomes was the advancement of the South Korean team to the semi-finals, while other surprise results included wins by debutant or lower-ranked teams. In the final, Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored twice to secure the title and claimed the Golden Shoe as the leading scorer of the tournament. The event drew large crowds and global television audiences throughout the month-long schedule (event summary).

Legacy and controversies

The 2002 World Cup left a mixed legacy: it expanded football's reach in Asia, spurred stadium and transport improvements, and raised the profile of the game in the region. It also prompted debate about refereeing decisions and tournament administration after several high-profile matches generated controversy among teams, fans and commentators. The competition is remembered for Brazil's fifth title and for demonstrating both the global appeal and the organizational challenges of staging a major international sporting event across two nations (tournament report).

• Champion: Brazil (5th title)
• Runner-up: Germany
• Final venue attendance: 69,029
• Dates: May 31 – June 30, 2002
• Further information: tournament overview, match reports, host details

For contemporary analysis and match records consult official reports and archived coverage from the time; the World Cup remains a frequent subject of study for its sporting outcomes and its implications for global event hosting.