The World Group was the highest level of Davis Cup competition in 1996.

[1] The first-round losers went into the Davis Cup World Group qualifying round, and the winners progressed to the quarterfinals and were guaranteed a World Group spot for 1997.

The United States were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

France won the title, defeating Sweden in the final, 3–2.

[2] It was the French team's 8th Davis Cup title overall.