The impressive Sapporo Dome stadium (ShaunBotterill/Allsport)

The drama of the 2002 World Cup will take place across 20 state-of-the-art venues 10 in each host nation that will impress English, and Irish supporters making the journey half-way round the globe and back.

Preparations for the next summer's tournament are nearing completion, with organisers promising visitors top-notch grounds and construction experts in the host nations adding the finishing touches to the stadia that will house fans from around the world.

Japanese and Korean stadium architects have been enjoying a field day, designing set after set of matching banana-shape roofs, along with some of the most breathtaking banks of seating in the world.

From the enormous sweeping roof of the 68,014-capacity Daegu Sports Complex in South Korea, to the extended arc towering over half the 49,000 fans at Miyagi's stadium in Japan, supporters are guaranteed off-field facilities to match the world-class competition on the pitch.

English fans are already planning their trip to the Far East, and Ireland fans will join them if Mick McCarthy's side win their two-legged play-off with the Asian runners-up.

Here, Soccernet assesses the 20 stadiums that will be the focus of the world for four weeks next summer.

JAPAN

Miyagi: Featuring an amazing swooping roof more than twice the length of the pitch on one side, and a shorter curve on the other, this 49,000-size ground is simply stunning.

Niigata: Is the only host city on Japan's huge north-west coast. Niigata's stadium will hold 42,300 World Cup followers, covered by a stylish roof.

Ibaraki: Kashima Football Stadium will offer 42,000 fans wonderful views of the world's greatest players from its steep sides.

Saitama: The second-biggest ground in Japan, after Yokohama, this awesome 63,000-capacity venue hosts a semi-final and features two stunning curved triangular roofs.

Yokohama: The International Sports Stadium is the place to be on June 30, 2002. A total of 70,000 fans will pack the huge banks of seating in this expansive ground to witness the World Cup final.

Shizuoka: Stadium Ecopa is a striking construction. Almost like a modernised Wembley, the 50,600 seats are set back from the pitch but the high stands offer great views.

Osaka: Nagai Stadium houses 50,000 supporters, half of whom will be sheltered below more giant, banana-shape roofs in this southern city.

Kobe: A 'must visit' on any fan's tour itinerary, the Universiade Memorial Stadium almost looks as if it was built to fold away, with massive touchline stands and seating at either end on two huge slanting terraces.

Oita: Another quite amazing ground, with huge sweeping roofs on either side of the pitch. Accommodates 43,000 fans in the south-west of Japan.

SOUTH KOREA

Seoul: One of four host cities clustered in the north-west of the country, the nation's capital is home to this spectacular 63,930-capacity stadium that hosts the opening match and a semi-final.

Incheon: Close to Seoul, this coastal location boasts a grand 51,170-capacity ground which will stage three group matches.

Suwon: On the north-west coast, this 43,138 venue is dominated by two huge rectangular roofs covering seating on the sides of the pitch.

Daejeon: The steep terraces of the ground in this city near Suwon hold 40,407 people. Two cacophonous stands on either side of the field of play.

Gwangju: This smart arena features sweeping banana-shape stands, houses 42,880 fans and is the venue for one quarter-final.

Daegu: The Sports Complex holds 68,014, making it South Korea's biggest World Cup stadium. Giant, single-span roofs on stands.

Jeonju: Curved roofs give this 42,477-capacity ground in the western city of Jeonju a striking feel. Fans will savour the excellent views.

Ulsan: The Munsu Soccer Stadium seats 43,550 and will seem familiar to English fans, as it is similar to three new Premiership grounds Sunderland's Stadium of Light, Derby's Pride Park and Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.

Busan: This south-eastern city's striking Sports Complex will accommodate 55,982 supporters. The stadium is a feat of architectural brilliance, with fans watching the action from under a giant circular roof.