FIFA: Road to World Cup 98
IGDB
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About FIFA: Road to World Cup 98
EA Canada dropped FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 on November 30, 1997, just as the football world got ready for France. This title hit PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo 64 with a specific focus on the 1998 qualifying process. You pick any national team and push them through regional qualifiers before reaching the final tournament. The roster includes 189 clubs across 11 leagues alongside real World Cup squads. Visual updates gave players distinct facial features and hair styles, while audio design added crowd chants specific to each squad. This was the go-to soccer sim for anyone wanting a deeper qualification grind than standard season modes offered.
Gameplay
Sessions feel punchy with action moving faster than previous entries. You control the full 11-man side on any of the 16 outdoor stadia included in the build. The Road to World Cup mode forces you to navigate different qualifying systems depending on your chosen region, requiring adaptation rather than just grinding goals. League play offers depth with 189 clubs, letting you manage long-term campaigns. AI behavior expanded significantly, making defenders smarter and attackers more varied. Matches start with an intro from Des Lynam followed by commentary from John Motson and Andy Gray. Controls respond quickly to button presses, allowing for sharp passes and tackles during intense one-on-one situations or set pieces.
What Players Think
Players trust this version enough to rate it an 81.9 out of 100 on IGDB based on 120 ratings. Most users stick around for over 40 hours when running the full qualification campaign in single player mode. Community moods lean heavily toward nostalgia and satisfaction with the improved AI. Review snippets often mention how the faster pace changed the feel of every match compared to 97. The inclusion of real commentary voices gets a solid nod from fans who want that broadcast feel. Completion rates for the World Cup mode stay high because the regional qualifier steps add genuine challenge. Critics note the specific crowd chants as a standout detail that adds atmosphere without feeling generic.
PlayPile's Take
This title works best for simulation fans who want more than just a quick cup run. The price on the secondhand market stays reasonable since digital copies are rare but physical discs are common. You can unlock achievements by winning different regional qualifiers or finishing the World Cup with at least 15 goals scored in a single match. EA Canada nailed the balance between speed and tactical depth here. Avoid this if you only want arcade-style chaos. The Road to World Cup mode demands patience, but the reward of seeing your team win on the global stage feels earned rather than easy.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
81.9
RAWG Rating
3.6
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