Following yesterday's decision by the FIFA Executive Committee to hold the next FIFA/Confederations Cup in Mexico from 8 to 20 January 1999, UEFA today announced that France, the best-placed European team in the 1998 World Cup would represent Europe in this event.

Thus, the list of participating teams is as follows:

Mexico , CONCACAF, hosts of the event (and winners of the 1998 Gold Cup)

USA , CONCACAF, runners-up in the 1998 Gold Cup

Brazil ,       Title-holders (and winners of the 1997 Copa America)

Bolivia ,       CONMEBOL , runners-up of the 1997 Copa America

France ,       highest-ranking European team in the 1998 World Cup
(as designated by UEFA )

Saudi Arabia ,       AFC , winners of the 1996 Asian Cup

Egypt ,       CAF , winners of the 1998 African Cup of Nations

One team from Oceania to qualify at the Oceania Nations Cup in Brisbane in September 1998

The eight teams will play in two groups (league format) followed by semi-finals and finals. The 1998 event will most likely be held in Mexico City and one other venue.

The inaugural FIFA/Confederations Cup was held in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) in December 1997 with World Champions Brazil winning the Cup. The Kingdom had already hosted the «Intercontinental Championships» in 1992 (four teams, winners Argentina) and in 1995 (six teams, winners Denmark).