In South Korea and Japan, football has been a popular sport since the early 20th century, and both countries have had success on the international stage, with South Korea finishing fourth in the 2002 World Cup and Japan reaching the round of 16 in multiple World Cup tournaments. In recent years, countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia have seen a surge in popularity of football, with the sport becoming a major part of the culture in these countries. Overall, football in Asia has a long and storied history, with the sport playing a significant role in the cultural and social fabric of many countries on the continent. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current status as one of the most popular sports in the region, football has left an indelible mark on the history of Asia.
