1998 France World Cup
France 1998: The first 32-team World Cup, won on home soil.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup was the 16th FIFA World Cup, held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. It was the first World Cup to feature 32 teams, with 64 matches played in 10 stadiums. France won their first title by defeating defending champions Brazil 3–0 in the final, becoming the seventh nation to win the World Cup and the sixth to win on home soil.
Quick Facts
- Group stage result
- Advanced to Round of 16 as group runners-up
Lore & Background
France was awarded the 1998 World Cup on 2 July 1992, defeating Morocco 12–7 in the bidding process. It was the third country to host two World Cups, after Mexico and Italy. The tournament was the longest World Cup ever held, spanning 32 days, until 2026. Bribery investigations later revealed that a bribe was paid from the failed Moroccan bid.
Reader's Guide
The qualification draw took place on 12 December 1995 in Paris. 174 teams from six confederations participated. Four nations qualified for the first time: Croatia, Jamaica, Japan, and South Africa. The last team to qualify was Iran on 29 November 1997. This was the last time Romania and Bulgaria qualified for the World Cup finals, the only time Jamaica have qualified, and the last time Portugal failed to qualify.
Did You Know?
- This was the first World Cup where fourth officials used electronic boards instead of cardboard.
- This was the first World Cup since the introduction of golden goals, banning of tackles from behind, and allowance of three substitutions per game.
- The Stade de France was built in 26 months at a cost of ₣2.67 billion.
- Montpellier was a surprise inclusion as a host city due to its low urban hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led Mexico during the 1998 France World Cup?
The team was managed by legendary striker Hugo Sánchez, who guided a squad blending veterans like Luis Hernández with emerging talents such as Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Rafael Márquez.
How did El Tri perform in their group stage matches?
Mexico successfully navigated the group phase to advance to the Round of 16, showcasing tactical resilience despite facing stiff competition from established European powers.
Who was Mexico's opponent in the knockout round?
In the Round of 16, El Tri faced a formidable Netherlands side that would eventually eliminate them after a tightly contested match.
How did the tournament end for the Mexican national team?
The campaign concluded with heartbreak as Mexico fell to the Dutch in a penalty shootout, failing to advance further despite showing great promise throughout the event.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in Mexico National Team
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced