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 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 Cup qualifications. They played alongside Belgium, Scotland, Latvia and San Marino, finished first in the group and qualified directly for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Croatia national team started the qualification led by manager Miroslav Blažević, but after tying the initial two matches, he was replaced by Mirko Jozić. Standings The results of the Group Stage Altogether 28 players appeared in