[1] France and the Soviet Union each defeated Bulgaria, 11–5.

The United States and Italy each defeated Canada, 9–7 and 13–3, respectively.

The first two rounds of matches left Romania and Cuba at 2–0 apiece (advancing to the knockout rounds) and Great Britain and Thailand at 0–2 each (eliminating them).

Romania defeated Cuba 9–3 to take the top spot in the group.

Hungary defeated Poland 8–6 (with a 58–46 touches advantage making the final two bouts unnecessary) to take the top spot in the group.