The 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification for Asia and Africa served as the preliminary tournament for the region.

The winner of the tournament went on to face a European team in an Inter-confederation play-off.

FIFA rejected the entries of Ethiopia and South Korea, whereas Chinese Taipei withdrew.

[2] The remaining 8 teams played in a knockout tournament, with matches on a home-and-away basis.

As all their opening teams declined to play them, Israel won the tournament and advanced to the qualification play-off against Wales.