France 1998
60 Years Later

After hosting the tournament 60 years earlier in 1938, the FIFA World Cup returned to France, taking place from June 10 to July 12, 1998.

This was the first time 32 teams participated, a number that had gradually increased since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, which featured just 13 teams.

The tournament was structured with eight groups in the first round, where the top two teams from each group advanced to the Round of 16, followed by a knockout stage.

Participating Teams: 32

1. Brazil
2. France
3. Germany
4. Argentina
5. Spain
6. Italy
7. Netherlands
8. Romania
9. Cameroon
10. Morocco
11. Nigeria
12. South Africa
13. Tunisia
14. United States
15. Jamaica
16. Mexico
17. Austria
18. Belgium
19. Bulgaria
20. Croatia
21. Denmark
22. Scotland
23. England
24. Norway
25. Yugoslavia
26. Saudi Arabia
27. South Korea
28. Iran
29. Japan
30. Chile
31. Colombia
32. Paraguay

A record 21 red cards were shown during this World Cup, a feat unmatched until the 2006 World Cup in Germany, which saw 28 red cards.

The tournament mascot was Footix.

Davor Šuker debuted white cleats, a novelty at the time.

This World Cup set a record for the number of nations attempting to qualify, with 172 teams vying for a spot. For the first time, 32 teams competed in the final tournament, a format that remains in place today.

The group stage format was modified to feature eight groups of four teams each, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.

This increase in participants allowed more nations to make their debut at France 1998, including Jamaica, Japan, South Africa, and the newly formed Croatia. Meanwhile, Paraguay, Iran, Tunisia, and Chile returned to the tournament after years of absence, with Chile making a comeback after the infamous "Maracanazo" incident involving the Chilean national team.

The Final
The final match took place on July 12, 1998, at 9:00 PM in the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, between Brazil and France. It was a tightly contested game until Zinedine Zidane scored the opening goal in the 27th minute. Zidane struck again in the 45th minute just before halftime, both goals coming from headers off corner kicks, leaving Brazil demoralized. In the second half, Emmanuel Petit sealed the victory with a goal, ending the match at 3-0 in France’s favor.

"After the World Cup, various theories emerged, such as claims that Ronaldo was not at 100% due to intentionally induced stomach problems, a reported epileptic seizure, or even cardiac issues. To this day, the truth remains unclear."

Key Players:

• Zinedine Zidane (France): Nicknamed "The Magician," Zidane was instrumental in France's victory over Brazil, scoring two of the three goals in the final.
• Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (Brazil): Known for his incredible skill and ability to leave defenders frozen, he is regarded as one of the greatest players in history.
• Davor Šuker (Croatia): A standout player who led his team to the semifinals, where they fell to France 2-1.

Final Standings:

1. France
2. Brazil
3. Croatia
4. Netherlands