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FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 stands as a milestone in the evolution of football video games. Released in 1997 by EA Sports, it offered an unprecedented level of realism and content for its time. Featuring over 170 fully licensed national teams and 16 stadia, FIFA 98 allowed players to take their favorite country through the full World Cup qualifying rounds leading to the France 1998 tournament — a feature that was groundbreaking at the time and deeply satisfying for fans of international football.
The gameplay mechanics showed noticeable improvements over previous FIFA titles. Player movements felt more fluid, ball physics were more believable, and AI-controlled teams played with varying tactics and strengths. You could truly feel the difference between playing Brazil and Liechtenstein, which added strategic depth.
One of the most iconic features was the indoor soccer mode, which offered fast-paced, five-a-side matches with walls that kept the ball in play — a beloved option that many fans still wish would return to the series. The soundtrack also became legendary in its own right, especially the inclusion of Blur’s “Song 2,” which became instantly associated with the excitement of booting up the game.
Visually, FIFA 98 was impressive for its generation, especially on the PC and PlayStation versions, with detailed kits, stadiums, and weather effects. Commentary by John Motson and Andy Gray added professional-level polish to the presentation.
Despite being over two decades old, FIFA 98 still holds a place in retro gaming history. It’s widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise before FIFA entered the fully 3D, licensed league-heavy era. Its blend of depth, accessibility, and innovation made it a standout title that set the foundation for every FIFA game that followed.
