South Korea will play against France, Mexico and Australia in the first round of this year's Confederations Cup, according to the draw for the cup held Wednesday in the city of Seogwipo, Cheju Province.

The world's soccer governing body FIFA carried out the draw for the games, a rehearsal for the 2002 World Cup to be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, at a ceremony in the Lotte Hotel on the island city.

South Korea and Japan will co-host the "miniature" World Cup ahead of next year's World Cup finals.

Five continental champions from South America, North America, Africa, Europe and Oceania, defending champion Mexico and the co-hosts will take part in the international sporting event that begins May 30 and runs through June 10.

The kick-off and the third-place match for the games will take place in the South Korean cities of Taegu and Ulsan, respectively, with the final match in Yokohama, Japan.

South Korea will be in Group A, while Japan along with Brazil, Cameroon and Canada will make up Group B.