European Soccer Challenge offers teams from 36 nations, with multiple squads per nation. In all, the game has over 130 playable teams.
Players can choose to play a single friendly match or a tournament. As in the real sport, the object is to drive the ball across the field and put it into the opposing team's net to score a point. The winning team is the one that has the most points scored when time expires. The game's 2D graphics are viewed from an overhead perspective, but at a slight angle. Players are able to see up to a fourth of the field at any time.
When on offense, players control the current ball carrier and have the ability to perform high or low kicks. The strength of the kick, and consequently the distance the ball travels, depends on how long players hold down the kick button before releasing.
On defense, players are automatically assigned control of the player closest to the ball carrier. Players can try to steal the ball or perform slide tackles to trip up opponents. When the opposing team comes near the player's goal, the CPU assumes control of the goalkeeper, leaving players free to perform other defensive functions.