Europe has been allocated seven berths in the expanded 24-team finals in Thailand from 2 to 18 November 2012.

Qualifying will be in three stages:
1. A 20-team preliminary round from 19 to 23 October 2011 (drawn on 7 July)
2. The main round from 14 to 18 December 2011 (drawn on 7 July)
3. Seven two-legged play-offs on 25 to 28 March and 8 to 11 April (drawn in February 2012).

The 20 lowest-ranked entrants compete in the preliminary round, consisting of five four-team groups from which the winners and best runners-up progress. They join the remaining sides in the main round, consisting of seven four-team mini-tournaments. The top two in each progress to the two-legged play-offs, which will decide Europe's qualifiers.

Full details are contained in the Regulations of the European qualifying competition.