Play FIFA World Cup 2006 (E) Online

FIFA World Cup 2006 for the Nintendo DS was released by EA Sports in the same year as the tournament. It arrived during a period when handheld sports games were still finding their footing, offering a portable alternative to console versions with scaled-back visuals and features. The game focused squarely on the World Cup format, letting players take any qualified nation through the group stages and knockout rounds.

You control a full soccer team, directing passes, through balls, and shots using either the D-pad or the touch screen. The main objective is to win the World Cup by scoring goals and advancing match by match. Signature mechanics include using the stylus for set pieces, like aiming free kicks or directing penalty shots, and making substitutions or tactical changes via the lower screen. The pacing is generally quick, with simplified controls that keep matches moving, though defensive positioning can sometimes feel loose. It feels responsive and straightforward, capturing the immediate thrill of a counterattack or a well-placed finish.