2002 FIFA World Cup
The first World Cup in Asia, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th FIFA World Cup, held from 31 May to 30 June 2002 in South Korea and Japan. It was the first World Cup held in Asia, the first outside the Americas or Europe, and the first jointly hosted by more than one nation. Brazil won the tournament, defeating Germany 2–0 in the final.
Quick Facts
- Host nations
- South Korea & Japan
- Us group
- Group D (Germany, Portugal, South Korea)
- Us record
- 1 win, 2 losses (3 points, 4th place)
- Head coach
- Bruce Arena
- Us result
- Eliminated in the group stage
- Tournament winner
- Brazil
Lore & Background
The tournament featured several upsets, including defending champions France being eliminated in the group stage with one point and no goals, and Argentina also eliminated in the group stage. South Korea reached the semi-finals, beating Poland, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Turkey also reached the semi-finals for the first time and won the third-place match against South Korea 3–2, scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history (10.8 seconds). This was the last World Cup to use the golden goal rule and the last in which the defending champions automatically qualified.
Reader's Guide
It only states that South Korea and Japan were the co-hosts, Brazil won the final, and Turkey took third place.
Did You Know?
- Senegal was the only debutant to advance from the group stage, reaching the quarter-finals.
- South Korea became the first team from outside UEFA, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF to reach the semi-finals.
More in Tournaments & Competitions
Elsewhere in United States Mens National Team
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