The qualification preliminary round matches were played from 12 April to 29 June 2006. Winners of the preliminary round were advanced to the group stage.
Matches
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First leg
Match originally ended as a 2–1 victory for Republic of Ireland, but UEFA later awarded the match as a 3–0 forfeit win to the same team due to Azerbaijan including ineligible players in their squad.
Match originally ended as a 2–1 victory for Armenia, but UEFA later awarded the match as a 3–0 forfeit win to San Marino due to Armenia including ineligible players in their squad.