The focus of the soccer world switches to Tokyo on Tuesday when the preliminary draw for the 2002 World Cup is held at the city's glittering International Forum.

"This is the very first event of the 2002 World Cup finals," said Yasuhiko Endoh, general secretary of the Japanese Organizing Committee (JAWOC). "It is the kick-off event. . . . After this, the World Cup will be truly underway."

Among those participating in the 90-minute draw ceremony to be overseen by Sepp Blatter, FIFA's president, will be Brazil's Pele, France's Michel Platini and Mexico's Hugo Sanchez, as well as Aime Jacquet, who coached France to its 1998 World Cup victory.