This is a recent addition to F.I.F.A’s range of competitions for national teams.
As the name implies, the tournament principally features the champion team from
each of the six continental confederations, plus a team from the Wrold Champions
and an invited team from the host country making up the eight participants. The
first cup competition was held in Saudi Arabia in December 1997, with Brazil
winning the stunning new gold trophy.
One of the main purposes of the tournament was clearly demonstrated in that
inaugural tournament as Australia made it to the Final to take on the then World
Champions. The confederations Cup aims to give the top teams from all continents
a chance to represent their region in a world play-off, and this opportunity –
together with the generous prize money that goes with it – is particularly
important and appealing to teams from developing football countries.
F.I.F.A. Confederations Cup