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Cameroon's football team had a historic outing at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals, a first for any African nation in World Cup history. They opened the tournament with a shocking victory against the defending champions, Argentina, defeating them 1–0. The standout player for Cameroon was Roger Milla, who at 38 years old became one of the tournament's stars, scoring four goals and featuring substantial contributions. This performance not only resonated within Africa but also influenced FIFA's decision to allocate an additional qualifying spot for African nations in future World Cups. Additionally, Cameroon's journey through the tournament fueled interest and pride in African football on the international stage, showcasing its growing competitiveness.

Italy was awarded the FIFA World Cup hosting rights on May 19, 1984, during a vote held in Zürich, Switzerland. In a decisive outcome, the FIFA Executive Committee chose Italy over the competing bid from the Soviet Union, with a vote tally of 11 to 5. This event marked Italy's second time hosting the World Cup, having previously done so in 1934, where they also claimed their first title. The decision to select Italy had significant implications, as it came shortly after the withdrawal of Colombia as the original host, hence Italy took over after the country’s earlier planning was disrupted. The political climate, particularly the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Olympics, is speculated to have influenced the vote, although FIFA officials denied any political motives behind the selection.

A total of 116 teams entered the qualification process for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which took place from April 1988 to November 1989. Italy, as the host nation, and Argentina, as the defending champions, qualified automatically. The remaining 22 spots were contested by other national teams, with teams divided according to their respective confederations: UEFA (Europe) had 13 spots, CONMEBOL (South America) had 2, CAF (Africa) had 2, AFC (Asia) had 2, and CONCACAF (North and Central America) had 2. Three teams also made their World Cup debuts: Costa Rica, Republic of Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the tournament marked the last appearance of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia before their respective dissolutions. The qualification phase was competitive, as pressured by teams such as Mexico, who were disqualified for fielding overage players in a youth tournament during their qualification efforts.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup took place from June 8 to July 8 in Italy, marking the second time Italy hosted the tournament. The tournament featured 24 teams from 5 confederations playing across 12 venues in 12 host cities. West Germany emerged as the champion after defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final held at Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This victory marked West Germany's third title, having previously won in 1954 and 1974. The tournament is notable for its low-scoring matches, with only 115 goals scored across 52 matches, resulting in an average of just 2.21 goals per game, the lowest in World Cup history. Argentina finished as runners-up, while Italy secured third place, defeating England, who came in fourth. This World Cup also highlighted the emergence of African football, with Cameroon reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, and it generated significant spectator interest despite criticism over the quality of play.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup featured matches in 12 cities across Italy, each utilizing 12 different venues. New stadiums such as Stadio San Nicola in Bari and Stadio delle Alpi in Turin were constructed specifically for the event. Existing stadiums, like San Siro in Milan and Stadio Olimpico in Rome, received significant renovations to enhance their facilities. The tournament structure facilitated travel by allowing Individual groups to play in pairs of cities close to one another, which helped in managing the logistical challenges for fans and teams. Rome and Milan were the cities that hosted the most matches, each accommodating six games during the tournament, while cities like Cagliari, Udine, and Palermo only hosted group stage matches without progressing to knockout rounds.

A total of 41 match officials from 34 different countries were selected to officiate matches at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. This was notable as it included referees and assistant referees from diverse footballing nations. Additionally, it marked the final tournament where referees wore only traditional black jerseys. This decision was made to maintain uniformity across officiating styles and reduce confusion among players and spectators. The evolution of officiating styles, including attire, contributed to subsequent World Cup tournaments as FIFA sought to improve the visibility and professionalism of match officials.

The draw for the 1990 FIFA World Cup took place on December 9, 1989, in Rome and was characterized by specific protocols aimed at accommodating the sociopolitical environment. A notable rule precluded two South American teams from being placed in the same group, a decision rooted in the desire to mitigate potential conflicts, given the reputation of English hooliganism. Furthermore, last-minute adjustments were made to the procedures in response to protests from Italian officials, reflecting how the political sentiment surrounding the tournament influenced operational decisions. This draw was also notable for its high-profile ceremony, featuring celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti.

For the 1990 FIFA World Cup, squads consisted of 22 players, maintaining the same number as in the previous tournament held in 1986. However, a notable aspect of this tournament was the provision that allowed teams to replace injured players during the course of the event, a flexibility not strictly enforced in earlier competitions. This change provided teams with the opportunity to adapt their strategies and improve their chances in the knockout stages, particularly significant for teams like Argentina and England that faced injuries to key players during the tournament.

During the 1990 FIFA World Cup, a total of 115 goals were scored across 52 matches, leading to an average of 2.21 goals per match. This figure represents the lowest goals-per-game average in World Cup history, a record that still stands today. The lack of scoring excitement drew criticism, with many matches characterized by defensive tactics, ultimately resulting in this historic low in goal averages.

The 1990 World Cup was marked by a heavy reliance on defensive strategies, with many teams opting to play cautiously in order to avoid conceding goals. This approach led to a record number of red cards—16 in total—reflecting the aggressive nature of some defensive plays. Particularly notable was Argentina's choice to adopt a conservative style, scoring only five goals throughout the tournament, which was a record low for a finalist. The excessive defensive tactics prompted FIFA to introduce the back-pass rule in 1992 and to award three points for a win in future tournaments, aiming to encourage more attacking play and enhance spectator enjoyment.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup produced several memorable moments that have resonated within football culture. Notably, it marked the emergence of Roger Milla from Cameroon, whose vibrant goal celebrations and crucial goals catapulted him into stardom and inspired future generations of African players. Another highlight was the dramatic match between Argentina and England, featuring Diego Maradona’s infamous 'Hand of God' goal, which would become a symbol of the tournament. Additionally, the tournament is remembered for the introduction of significant tactical changes that would reshape the game, including the eventual implementation of the back-pass rule and the restructuring of point systems. These changes were all driven by the tournament's events and the need for a more dynamic style of play.