FIFA: Road to World Cup 98

FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 is a sports simulation game that significantly impacted the soccer video game landscape when it first launched. Developed by EA Canada and released in 1997, the title is often remembered as a cornerstone of the franchise, introducing depth and features that were revolutionary for the time. Players are not limited to just the main event; one of the defining aspects of this entry is the ability to guide any of the 172 distinct national teams through the complete qualification campaign on the road to the World Cup in France.

While modern titles focus heavily on hyper-realism, this era of the series offered a unique balance of simulation and arcade-style fun. A standout feature that players often revisit with nostalgia is the indoor soccer mode. This option places matches on a wood-floored, indoor court with 5-a-side teams, where the ball never goes out of play, resulting in incredibly fast-paced and high-scoring matches compared to the traditional 90-minute games on grass. Whether playing on the full pitch or the indoor court, players can play the game fast and easy on kbhgames.com for free, directly in the browser, with no installation.

The presentation set a new standard for the late 90s, utilizing a refined graphics engine that allowed for accurate player customization and better offside logic. The immersive atmosphere is heightened by a memorable soundtrack, headlined by Blur’s “Song 2,” and professional commentary from John Motson and Andy Gray, giving matches a broadcast-quality feel. Players also have access to 16 authentically modeled stadiums from around the world to compete in. Beyond the World Cup mode, the game allows for friendly matches and penalty shootout modes, offering varied ways to compete.