The European (UEFA) zone of qualification for the 1970 FIFA World Cup saw 29 teams competing for eight places at the finals. UEFA members England qualified automatically as the defending champions. The qualification process started on 19 May 1968 and ended on 7 December 1969.
Format
FIFA rejected the entry of Albania, and both Malta and Iceland withdrew before the draw was made. The remaining 29 teams were drawn into eight groups, five groups of four teams and three of three teams. All eight group-winners qualified automatically.
Romania qualified.
Czechoslovakia and Hungary finished level on points, and a play-off on neutral ground was played to decide who would qualify.
Czechoslovakia qualified.
Italy qualified.
Soviet Union qualified.
Sweden qualified.
Belgium qualified.
West Germany qualified.
Bulgaria qualified.