The FIFA Executive Committee has allocated the places for World Cup 2002. Three places have been allocated automatically (France as holder and Japan and South Korea as co-hosts). The committee then allocated the 32 berths as follows: Europe (UEFA) will receive 15 berths including France. In 1998, Europe received 14 plus France as the host. Asia (AFC) will receive four berths including Japan and South Korea. In 1998, Asia received three automatic berths plus one for the winner of a playoff with the Oceania champion. Africa (CAF) will receive five berths, the same as in 1998. North/Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) will receive three berths, the same as in 1998. South America (CONMEBOL) will receive four automatic berths, and the fifth-place team will play off against the Oceania champion. In 1998, South America received four berths in addition to Brazil, which was the holder. Oceania (OFC) will have its champion play off against the fifth-place team from South America. In 1998, the Oceania champion played off against the fourth-place team from Asia. The decision on these allocations was made after a 60-minute debate and was reached after the European and South American confederations agreed to draw lots to decide which would be involved in the playoff against the Oceania champion.