The IBCA's strongest team tournament, the World Cup, was held for the first time in the old Spanish royal town of Segovia in the first half of December 1990. Eleven teams of four players each, plus reserves, made the journey to this all-play-all event. The experienced FIDE and IBCA Arbiter, Roger Dhaenekint (Belgium) controlled the tournament. Some good chess was on display here and the media took a keen interest in it.

For the last time the world saw mighty Soviet and Yugoslav teams. The newly united German side seemed strong. A lot of teams did not arrive, so even with participation of some reserve teams, the limit of 12 participating nations wasn't reached. Soviet Union started with three 4-0's in a row taking early lead, which they retained until the very end. Poland, who had miserable start losing 0-4 with USSR in the beginning and then going down vs Great Britain, took silver after good finish. Favoured Yugoslavia produced rather poor display losing a few matches they shouldn't lose. Great Britain caused major upset beating all three medal winners; still they finished only in fifth place. The Soviet players won three individual gold medals and the fourth one was shared by Poland and Great Britain.