A total of 32 UEFA teams entered the competition. The European zone was allocated 9.5 places (out of 16) in the final tournament. West Germany, the hosts, qualified automatically, leaving 8.5 spots open for competition between 32 teams.
The 32 teams were divided into 9 groups of 3 or 4 teams each (four groups with 3 teams and five groups with 4 teams). The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The group winners would qualify, except the winner of Group 9, which would advance to the UEFA / CONMEBOL Intercontinental Play-off.
The draw for the qualifying groups took place in Düsseldorf on 17 July 1971. During the draw procedure, entrants were drawn into the 9 qualifying groups from the four pots of seeds.
Austria and Sweden finished level on points and goal difference, and a play-off on neutral ground was played to decide who would qualify. Sweden won to qualify for the World Cup.
Spain and Yugoslavia finished level on points and goal difference, and a play-off on neutral ground was played to decide who would qualify. Yugoslavia won to qualify for the World Cup.