The World Group was the highest level of Davis Cup competition in 1996. The first-round losers went into the Davis Cup World Group Qualifying Round, and the winners progressed to the quarterfinals and were guaranteed a World Group spot for 1997. The United States were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals. France won the title, defeating Sweden in the final, 3–2. The final was held at the Malmö Isstadion in Malmö, Sweden, from 29 November to 1 December. It was the French team's 8th Davis Cup title overall. Participating teams Draw First round Italy vs. Russia South Africa vs. Austria Switzerland vs. Germany France vs. Denmark India vs. Netherlands Sweden vs. Belgium Czech Republic vs. Hungary United States vs. Mexico Quarterfinals Italy vs. South Africa France vs. Germany India vs. Sweden Czech Republic vs. United States Semifinals France vs. Italy Czech Republic vs. Sweden Final Sweden vs. France References External links Davis Cup official website World Group Davis Cup World Group Davis Cup