<P> South Korea and Japan were selected as hosts by FIFA on 31 May 1996 . Initially , South Korea , Japan and Mexico presented three rival bids . However , the two Asian countries agreed to unite their bids shortly before the decision was made , and they were chosen unanimously in preference to Mexico . This was the first ( and so far the only ) World Cup to be hosted by two countries . The 2002 World Cup was the tournament 's 17th staging . It was also the first World Cup held in Asia , and the last in which the golden goal rule was utilized . South Korea and Japan , the co-hosts , qualified automatically , leaving 2.5 spots open for competition between 40 teams . Myanmar withdrew from the tournament after being placed in Group 2 but before any matches had been played , therefore reducing the group to three teams . Afghanistan , Bhutan , North Korea and Timor - Leste did not participate in the qualification process . Asia 's two remaining automatic qualifying berths were taken by Saudi Arabia and China PR . Iran failed to become a third Asian representative in the World Cup after losing their AFC / UEFA playoff against the Republic of Ireland . </P>
<P> South Korea and Japan were selected as hosts by FIFA on 31 May 1996 . Initially , South Korea , Japan and Mexico presented three rival bids . However , the two Asian countries agreed to unite their bids shortly before the decision was made , and they were chosen unanimously in preference to Mexico . This was the first ( and so far the only ) World Cup to be hosted by two countries . The 2002 World Cup was the tournament 's 17th staging . It was also the first World Cup held in Asia , and the last in which the golden goal rule was utilized . South Korea and Japan , the co-hosts , qualified automatically , leaving 2.5 spots open for competition between 40 teams . Myanmar withdrew from the tournament after being placed in Group 2 but before any matches had been played , therefore reducing the group to three teams . Afghanistan , Bhutan , North Korea and Timor - Leste did not participate in the qualification process . Asia 's two remaining automatic qualifying berths were taken by Saudi Arabia and China PR . Iran failed to become a third Asian representative in the World Cup after losing their AFC / UEFA playoff against the Republic of Ireland . </P>
world cup football held in asia for the first time in
world cup football held in asia for the first time in
2002
2002