Soccer's world governing body FIFA and Japanese organizers JAWOC have agreed in principle on the dates for cohost Japan's three first-round group matches at the 2002 World Cup, informed sources said Friday.
Subject to formal confirmation, Japan will play its three Group H matches at Saitama Stadium 2002 on June 4, the fifth day of the 32-team tournament, at Yokohama International Stadium on June 9 and at Osaka's Nagai Stadium on June 14.
With overseas television broadcasters also reportedly in agreement with the proposed dates for Japan's games, the sources said FIFA is expected to be able to make a formal announcement on the tournament's schedule soon.
The 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup kicks off in Seoul on May 31.