The WCF Management Committee in conjunction with the President of the European Croquet Federation (FEC) decided to make special invitations to compete to a limited number of countries outside Europe.
This will be of great benefit to those countries that do not normally compete in international team events. The fifteen who competed in 2007 namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Norway, Scotland, Switzerland, Sweden and the holders Wales. In addition Spain has also entered a team.

The WCF President, David Openshaw, is very pleased that both Canada and South Africa have taken up the special invitations to compete. He believes this will significantly help the development of croquet in those countries. There will be 20 teams competing.