WORLD CUP 2006: CONCACAF was awarded an additional half spot

CONCACAF was awarded an additional half spot for the 2006 World Cup, giving it 3.5 berths for the next world championship in Germany.

The No. 4 CONCACAF team will play the Asia No. 5 team in a playoff.

The FIFA executive committee meeting today in Madrid awarded the following spots for 2006 (with 2002 spots in parentheses):

CONCACAF 3.5 (3.0)

Europe 14.0 (14.5)

Africa 5.0 (5.0)

Asia 4.5 (4.5)

South America 4.0 (4.5)

Oceania 1.0 (0.5)

Defending champion Brazil will take part in qualifying for 2006.

Qualifying will start Feb. 28, 2004.