1938 FIFA World Cup qualification — qualification rounds for the 1938 FIFA World Cup
The 1938 FIFA World Cup qualification introduced automatic berths for host France and defending champion Italy, setting a precedent for future tournaments.
Key Facts
- Teams entered
- 37
- Spots available
- 16 (14 contested)
- Qualifying matches played
- 22
- Goals scored
- 96
- Average goals per match
- 4.36
- Teams that played qualifying matches
- 21
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
Thirty-seven nations sought places in the 1938 FIFA World Cup final tournament in France. Spain's entry was suspended and rejected due to the ongoing Spanish Civil War, while Austria submitted an application but was later annexed by Germany before the tournament began.
Teams were divided into regional groups — eight in Europe, one covering the Americas, and one for Asia — competing for 14 available spots, since France as host and Italy as defending champions received automatic qualification for the first time in World Cup history. A total of 22 matches were played, producing 96 goals.
Only 15 teams ultimately competed in the final tournament rather than the intended 16, as Austria withdrew after qualifying due to the Anschluss annexation by Germany. The automatic qualification rule for hosts and title holders established in this cycle became a lasting feature of FIFA World Cup governance.