The World Cup of Tennis

At the start of the year, 28 nations have the chance to get their hands on the Davis Cup trophy. Two wild cards and the 26 countries that start in the Qualifiers.

The Qualifiers are played over the course of two rounds - this year, the 1st Round takes place after the Australian Open in early February and the 2nd Round will take place after the US Open in September.

Teams that win in the Qualifiers 1st Round progress on to the Qualifiers 2nd Round, where they are joined by one of the wild cards from the previous year's Finals. This year, 2025 runners-up Spain were given a wild card which meant they received a bye through to the Qualifiers 2nd Round.

Winning in the Qualifiers 2nd Round means teams book their place in the Final 8, alongside the last remaining wild card (Italy).

Teams that lose in the Qualifiers 1st Round compete again in September in the World Group I Play-offs. Teams that lose in the Qualifiers 2nd Round compete in the following year's Qualifiers 1st Round.

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