The men's qualification for association football tournament at the 1956 Summer Olympics was the first edition of qualification rounds.
Contents
Qualifications
The final tournament had 16 spots reserved with 28 countries initially showing interest in the tournament.
Automatic qualification was granted to Australia (host), Poland, Turkey, and Germany (originally as West Germany).
Europe
1 Romania withdrew.
2 East and West Germany competed together at the 1956 Olympics, thus the East German football team withdrew. However, a solely West German football team was fielded instead of a combined one.
Asia
1 Both teams withdrew.
2 Both teams were awarded byes.
3 Both matches were played in Japan. Japan advanced on drawing of lots.
4 Philippines withdrew.
5 Republic of China withdrew.
Americas
1 Mexico withdrew.
Before the official draw for the final tournament on September 1, 1956, Poland withdrew and was replaced by Great Britain. After the draw Hungary withdrew as well. Its place was offered to South Korea, however they declined as well. The People's Republic of China and Egypt withdrew their whole Olympic teams in protest. South Vietnam and Turkey also withdrew.
Qualifying Matches
Both Bulgaria and Great Britain advanced.
Soviet Union advanced.
Japan advanced by the drawing of lots.