This year saw the first appearances in the competition of both Ceylon and a team representing the West Indies.

For the first time play took place on the African continent, when the first-round Europe Zone tie between Egypt and Austria was held in Cairo.

In the Inter-Zonal Zone, Belgium defeated India in the semifinal, and then lost to the United States in the final.

In the Challenge Round the United States were defeated by the defending champions Australia.

The final was played at Kooyong Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on 28–31 December.