<P> Since 2005, it has been held every four years, in the year prior to each World Cup in the host country of the forthcoming World Cup (the 2001 edition was hosted in South Korea and Japan, before the quadrennial pattern was established). Considered a dress - rehearsal for the World Cup it precedes, it uses around half of the stadia intended for use at the following year's competition and gives the host nation, which qualifies for that tournament automatically, experience at a high level of competition during two years of otherwise friendlies . At the same time, participation was made optional for the South American and European champions . </P> <P> Generally, the host nation, the World Cup holders, and the six continental champions qualify for the competition . In those cases where a team meets more than one of the qualification criteria (such as the 2001 tournament where France qualified as the World Cup champions and European champions), another team is invited to participate, often the runner - up in a competition that the extra-qualified team won . </P> <P> On four occasions teams have chosen not to participate in the tournament . Germany did so twice, first in the 1997 Confederations Cup after their victory in the Euro 1996, and again in the 2003 Confederations Cup when they were awarded a place as the 2002 World Cup runners - up . In 1997, Germany were replaced by 1996 runners - up Czech Republic, and in 2003 they were replaced by Turkey, the 2002 third place team . </P> <P> France, 1998 World Cup winners, declined their place in the 1999 Confederations Cup, and were replaced by Brazil, the 1998 World Cup runners - up (and also 1997 Copa América champions). Italy, UEFA Euro 2000 runners up, declined their place in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup . </P>

What is the difference between the world cup and the confederations cup