The World Cup broke its old borders — conquering America, reaching Asia, uniting a multi-ethnic France. And its biggest moments turned on the frailty of its greatest men.
FIFA took its biggest gamble yet — handing the World Cup to a country that didn't call the sport its own. It paid off: record crowds packed American stadiums all summer. On the field, the final made unwanted history as the first ever decided by penalties. Brazil and Italy played out a tense 0–0 over 120 minutes at the Rose Bowl, before Italy's hero Roberto Baggio skied the decisive kick over the bar. Brazil took its fourth title — its first since 1970 — and dedicated it to Ayrton Senna.
Colombian defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal that helped knock his nation out. Days after returning home, he was shot and killed — a horrifying reminder of how much the game can mean, and how dangerous that meaning can become.
The first 32-team World Cup ended with the host lifting the trophy for the first time. France beat Brazil 3–0 — two first-half headers from Zinedine Zidane and a late goal from Emmanuel Petit. The multi-ethnic French side, celebrated as "Black, Blanc, Beur," became a symbol of a nation seeing itself anew.
Brazil's 21-year-old phenomenon Ronaldo had been the tournament's brightest star — then, hours before the final, he suffered a convulsion. His name was pulled from the team sheet, restored, and he played a ghostly, subdued game. The truth has been argued over ever since.
The first World Cup held in Asia — and the first ever co-hosted by two nations. It also delivered one of sport's great comeback stories.
Brazil beat Germany 2–0 in the final, both goals scored by Ronaldo — completing his redemption from the heartbreak of Paris. He finished as top scorer with eight goals, and Brazil claimed a record fifth title. Co-host South Korea, meanwhile, stunned the world with a run all the way to the semifinals.
Italy beat France on penalties, 5–3, after a 1–1 draw in Berlin — a fourth world title for the Azzurri. But the night belonged to one unforgettable image.
In the final match of his glittering career, Zinedine Zidane — who had scored France's opener — turned in extra time and headbutted Marco Materazzi (the man who'd equalised) square in the chest, after a verbal provocation. A straight red card. One of the greatest players in history walked past the trophy and down the tunnel, never to play again.