The sixteen teams were divided into four pools of four teams. The top teams of each pool played-off against each other to decide which two nations progress to World Group II Play-offs. The four nations coming last played-off against each other to decide which teams are relegated to Group II for 2006.
The eight teams were divided into two pools of four teams. The top two teams of each pool played-off against each other to decide which two nations progress to Group I for 2006. The four nations coming last played-off against each other to decide which teams are relegated to Group III for the next year.
The twelve teams were divided into four pools of three teams. The top team of each pool played-off against each other to decide which two nations progress to Group II for 2006.