The game was developed in conjunction with several football coaches, and released in the United States for $20.

Performing an illegal action can result in a foul being committed; it is possible but rare for a footballer to receive a yellow or red card.

Slide tackles are most likely to draw a foul, while the steal technique rarely results in an infringement.

However, reviewer Jojic was less receptive of other features such as the stadium and crowd effects, which he said sometimes lacked detail.

[7] Dysinger said the background graphics were of a high quality, stating the game presents "the best fields and stadiums to play in".

[8] PC Zone's review was more positive; it said Microsoft International Soccer 2000 is "arguably ... the best looking of the current crop of football games".

[8] IGN, while approving of the commentary, said the music was "weak and uninspiring",[7] while Dysinger said it was good, but repetitive.

Dysinger was also critical of the lack of FIFA license, which forced players to learn the strengths and weaknesses of different nations as they did not have a real roster.