1938 FIFA World Cup qualification

Common card · No. 489913

A total of 37 teams (including the late application of Argentina) entered the 1938 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds, competing for a total of 16 spots in the final tournament. For the first time the title holders and the host country were given automatic qualification. Therefore, France, as the hosts, and Italy, as the defending champions, qualified automatically, leaving 14 spots open for competition. Due to the Spanish Civil War, Spain's application was initially suspended and eventually rejected. The remaining teams were divided into groups based on geographical considerations, as follows: Europe and the Near East: 11 places, contested by 23 teams (including Egypt and Mandatory Palestine) divided into eight groups. The Americas: 2 places, contested by 9 teams. Asia: 1 place, contested by 2 teams. However, due to the withdrawal of Austria after qualifying (they had been annexed by Germany), only 15 teams actually competed in the final tournament. A total of 21 teams played at least...

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