2002 FIFA World Cup, sometimes known as FIFA World Cup 2002, is the second EA Sports official World Cup video game and tie-in to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, released for GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. It was developed by EA Canada and Creations, with Intelligent Games assisting the development of the PC and sixth-generation console versions, with additional assistance from Tose Software for the GameCube version. The game was published by EA Sports in North America and Europe and published by Electronic Arts Victor in Japan. The GameCube version is a launch title for the system in EuropeAn amalgamation between the game engines of FIFA Football 2002 and FIFA Football 2003, the game still incorporates the power bar for shots and crosses but with a steeper learning curve and customisation of the chances of being penalised by the match referee. Some kits are licensed, along with the player likeness and the stadia of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Unlike the previous games in the FIFA series, the game had an original soundtrack performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, although "Anthem" by Vangelis is used as one of the match entrance fanfares. The game features each of the 32 teams that qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, along with 9 other national teams that did not qualify.
2002 FIFA World Cup was met with positive to average reception. GameRankings and Metacritic gave it a score of 79% and 80 out of 100 for the PC version;[1][6] 76.58% and 73 out of 100 for the PlayStation 2 version;[2][10] 76.05% and 79 out of 100 for the Xbox version;[3][7] 73.59% and 78 out of 100 for the GameCube version;[4][8] and 68.75% and 77 out of 100 for the PlayStation version.[5][9] In Japan, Famitsu gave the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox versions each a score of 30 out of 40.[13][14][15]
The PlayStation 2 version of 2002 FIFA World Cup received a "Gold" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[42] indicating sales of at least 200,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[43] The game was an immediate hit in Italy, with sales of 90,000 units across all platforms within one day of release.[44]
The game sold 3.5 million copies by October 2002.