The 1996 Davis Cup (also known as the 1996 Davis Cup by NEC for sponsorship purposes) was the 85th edition of the Davis Cup, the most important tournament between national teams in men's tennis. 124 teams entered the competition, 16 in the World Group, 26 in the Americas Zone, 29 in the Asia/Oceania Zone, and 53 in the Europe/Africa Zone. Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Panama made their first appearances in the tournament. France defeated the Sweden in the final at the Massan Hall in Malmö. World Group Draw Final Sweden vs. France World Group Qualifying Round 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. , , and remain in the World Group in 1997. , , and are promoted to the World Group in 1997. , , and remain in Zonal Group I in 1997. , , and are relegated to Zonal Group I in 1997. Americas Zone Group I Group II Group III Venue: Maya Country Club, San Salvador, El Salvador Date: 6–10 March Group A Group B and promoted to Group II in 1997. , and assigned to Group IV in 1997. Asia/Oceania Zone Group I Group II Group III Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Date: 18–24 March Group A Group B and promoted to Group II in 1997. , , , and assigned to Group IV in 1997. Europe/Africa Zone Group I Group II Group III Zone A Venue: T.E.D. Club, Istanbul, Turkey Date: 20–26 May Group A Group B and promoted to Group II in 1997. , , , , and assigned to Group IV in 1997. Zone B Venue: Nairobi Club Ground, Nairobi, Kenya Date: 8–14 January Group A Group B and promoted to Group II in 1997. , , , , and assigned to Group IV in 1997. References General Specific External links Davis Cup Official Website Davis Cups by year Davis Cup Davis Cup