France retained the title they had won in 2001, but the tournament was overshadowed by the death of Cameroon player Marc-Vivien Foé, who died of heart failure in his side's semi-final against Colombia.

Foé's death united the France and Cameroon teams in the final match, which was played even though team players from both sides had explicitly stated that the match should not be played out of respect for Foé.

Foé finished third in media voting for player of the tournament and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Ball at its conclusion.

[2][3] The host was selected on 24 September 2002, during a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee.

Source: FIFA[5] Thierry Henry received the Golden Shoe award for scoring four goals.