See main article: 1996 Davis Cup. The 1996 Davis Cup World Group qualifying round was held from 20 to 22 September. They were the main play-offs of the 1996 Davis Cup. The winners of the playoffs advanced to the 1997 Davis Cup World Group, and the losers were relegated to their respective Zonal Regions I.
Bold indicates team had qualified for the 1997 Davis Cup World Group.
Date: 20–22 September
The eight losing teams in the World Group first round ties and eight winners of the Zonal Group I final round ties competed in the World Group qualifying round for spots in the 1997 World Group.
| Home team | Score | Visiting team | Location | Venue | Door | Surface | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–2 | Club Alemán de México | Outdoor | Hard | |||||
| 1–4 | Teniski klub Split | Outdoor | Clay | |||||
| 4–1 | Hotel Transamérica | Indoor | Carpet | |||||
| 3–2 | Outdoor | Clay | ||||||
| 4–1 | Club de Tennis Tarragona | Outdoor | Clay | |||||
| 4–1 | Indoor | Carpet | ||||||
| 5–0 | Olten Hallenstadion | Indoor | Carpet | |||||
| 4–1 | Sportclub Haarlem | Outdoor | Hard |