1950 FIFA World Cup - Qualification

Qualification

Having secured a host nation, FIFA would still dedicate some time to persuading countries to send their national teams to compete. Italy was of particular interest: the Italians were the long-standing defending champions (winners in 1934 and 1938). However, Italy's national team was weakened severely as most of its starting lineup perished in the Superga air disaster one year before the start of the tournament. The Italians were eventually persuaded to attend, but traveled by boat rather than by plane.

Because Brazil and Italy qualified automatically, there were fourteen remaining places available. Of these, seven were allocated to Europe, six to the Americas, and one to Asia.