1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Teams | 147 (from 6 confederations) |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Matches played | 497 |
| Goals scored | 1,446 (2.91 per match) |
A total of 147 teams entered the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds, competing for 22 of the total 24 spots in the final tournament. The United States, as the hosts, and Germany, as the defending champions, qualified automatically. The draw was made in New York on 8 December 1991.
For the first time, 3 teams would qualify from the African zone, due to the performance of African teams in the previous tournament. The 24 spots available in the 1994 World Cup would be distributed among the continental zones as follows:
A total of 130 teams played at least one qualifying match. A total of 497 qualifying matches were played, and 1446 goals were scored (an average of 2.91 per match).
To see the dates and results of the qualification rounds for each continental zone, click on the following articles:
For the first time, there would be two rounds of play in the intercontinental play-offs. The teams from CONCACAF and OFC would first play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner would then play against the team from CONMEBOL on a home-and-away basis. The winner would qualify.
The aggregate score was tied at 3–3, however, Australia advanced 4–1 on penalties to the CONMEBOL–CONCACAF/OFC intercontinental play-off.
Argentina qualified by the aggregate score of 2–1.
The following 24 teams qualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup:
(h) – qualified automatically as hosts
(c) – qualified automatically as defending champions
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