2002 FIFA World Cup

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, officially branded as the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, was the 17th edition of the tournament and the first to be held in Asia and jointly hosted by two nations, South Korea and Japan. Running from May 31 to June 30, it featured 32 teams, with China, Ecuador, Senegal, and Slovenia making their debuts. Notable moments included France's shock group-stage exit, South Korea's historic semi-final run, and Brazil's record fifth title after defeating Germany 2–0 in the final. Turkey secured third place with a 3–2 victory over South Korea, scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history. This edition was the last to use the golden goal rule and a single match ball design throughout the tournament.

1991–1999

South Korea bid logo

Japan bid logo

On 31 May 1996, the Japan Football Association and the Korea Football Association's joint bid to host the 2002 FIFA World Cup was "voted by acclamation" which is an oral vote without ballots, edging out Mexico's bid to host the tournament.

1999–2002

Designer:  Interbrand

Typography:  HYWenHei 85W

Launched:  31 May 1999

The official logo of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan was revealed on 31 May 1999 simultaneously in Seoul and Tokyo, the capital cities of the first countries in Asia to host the world's premier sports event.

The circular logo was created by the London office of Interbrand, in consultation with its offices in Tokyo and Seoul. For the first time in the history of the event, the logo features the FIFA World Cup Trophy as a central stylized feature, as well as the FIFA World Cup logotype.

“The logo builds on the artistic principles and traditions of Korea and Japan, such as asymmetry, dynamism and harmony, in order to live up to the high quality of design for which both countries are renowned.”

— Andy Milligan (Interbrand)

Flat version

Print version

Korea Japan 2002 wordmark

Korea Japan 2002 wordmark (print version)

Mascots

Name:  The Spheriks: Ato (Yellow) Kaz (Purple) Nik (Blue)

Species:  Aliens

Designer:  Unknown

The mascots were introduced in 2000 and for the first time in World Cup mascot history, the mascots were computer generated and futuristic. The trio was named the Spheriks and the backstory was that the yellow Spherik is the coach and the purple and blue Spheriks are the players for a team at the fictional sport of 'Atmoball' and resided in the Atmozone. On 26 April 2001, the mascots' final names were decided: Ato, Nik and Kaz. The colors interestingly, don't have any connection to South Korea or Japan.

Notes and references

◄ France 1998

FIFA World Cup

Germany 2006 ►