FIFA World Cup future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the first tournament with multiple hosts. South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010. The 2014 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since Argentina 1978, and was the first occasion where consecutive World Cups were held outside Europe. The host country is
Croatia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup the qualifying matches. Boško Balaban and Robert Jarni are the only player that appeared in all 8 matches. Balaban was also the top scorer with 5 achieved goals. Ivica Olić, Anthony Šerić, Josip Šimunić and Vladimir Vasilj did not appear in any of the qualifying matches but made the final World Cup squad. Complete list of players in the qualifying matches Croatia at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Croatia participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. This was their second appearance after their debut-bronze madel appearance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Croatia was in Group 6 of UEFA's World