While not adding much to the engine used in FIFA Football 2003, the biggest new inclusions were secondary divisions, which allow the player to take lower ranked teams to promotion attempts.

Gameplay has a new feature dubbed "Off the ball", which allows the control of two players at the same time for greater tactical play.

The title sequence was filmed in St James' Park, home of Newcastle United, with the opening song being Kings of Leon's European hit "Red Morning Light".

The cover features Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus, Thierry Henry of Arsenal, and Ronaldinho in a Brazil kit.

The PlayStation 2 version of FIFA Football 2004 received a "Double Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[43] indicating sales of at least 600,000 copies in the United Kingdom.