Can I play as my favorite national team?

Yes! FIFA 98 includes all 173 FIFA national teams, allowing you to choose your favorite and guide them through qualifying and to the World Cup.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

Absolutely! FIFA 98 supports local multiplayer, allowing you to compete against friends on the same system, which was a huge part of its appeal.

What is the 'Road to World Cup' mode?

This is the game's main single-player campaign where you select a national team and play through the entire qualification process for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, culminating in the tournament itself.

Are the player names real?

While the national teams are real, many individual player names are fictional or generic due to licensing limitations at the time. However, many prominent players are recognizable despite generic names.

FIFA 98: Road to World Cup

In short: FIFA 98: Road to World Cup is a sports game released in 1997 by EA Canada, available on PC, PlayStation and Nintendo. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

FIFA 98: Road to World Cup is a football simulation video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts. It features an improved graphics engine, all 173 FIFA national teams, and customizable leagues and tournaments.

FIFA 98: Road to World Cup, released in 1997, marked a significant leap forward for the beloved football simulation series. Developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts, this installment was more than just a roster update; it was a comprehensive overhaul designed to immerse players in the excitement of international football. The game's most striking improvement was its enhanced graphics engine, which delivered more detailed player models, realistic stadium environments, and smoother animations, setting a new standard for football games of its era. This visual fidelity, coupled with an improved artificial intelligence, made matches feel more dynamic and unpredictable, challenging players to adapt their strategies on the fly. A cornerstone of FIFA 98's appeal was its unprecedented inclusion of all 173 FIFA national teams. This allowed players to guide their favorite nations through the arduous qualification process and onto the grand stage of the World Cup, adding a layer of authenticity and long-term engagement. Beyond the national teams, the game also offered customizable leagues and tournaments, providing endless possibilities for players to create their dream competitions. The introduction of the

Game details

Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release year: 1997
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo
Category: sports

Our review

FIFA 98: Road to World Cup was a groundbreaking title for its era, pushing the boundaries of football simulation. The inclusion of all 173 national teams and the 'Road to World Cup' mode provided unparalleled depth and replayability. While the AI could sometimes be inconsistent, the overall package delivered an immersive and enjoyable football experience. The improved graphics and fluid animations were a highlight, making each match feel more realistic than ever before. For fans of football, this was a must-have.

Pros

All 173 national teams included
Deep 'Road to World Cup' mode
Improved graphics and animations
Customizable leagues and tournaments
Indoor football mode

Cons

AI can be inconsistent
Some repetitive commentary
Dated graphics by today's standards

FAQ

Can I play as my favorite national team?: Yes! FIFA 98 includes all 173 FIFA national teams, allowing you to choose your favorite and guide them through qualifying and to the World Cup.
Is there a multiplayer mode?: Absolutely! FIFA 98 supports local multiplayer, allowing you to compete against friends on the same system, which was a huge part of its appeal.
What is the 'Road to World Cup' mode?: This is the game's main single-player campaign where you select a national team and play through the entire qualification process for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, culminating in the tournament itself.
Are the player names real?: While the national teams are real, many individual player names are fictional or generic due to licensing limitations at the time. However, many prominent players are recognizable despite generic names.

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Last updated: 02/04/2026