The 1972 Federation Cup was the tenth edition of the most important competition between national teams in women's tennis. 31 nations participated in the tournament, which was held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa from 20–25 March. South Africa defeated Great Britain in the final, in what was the first final not featuring United States or Australia, giving South Africa their first title. South Africa became the first team other than United States or Australia to win the Fed Cup.

Participating teams

Draw

All ties were played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa on hard courts.

First round

Israel vs. Canada Norway vs. Chinese Taipei Spain vs. Italy West Germany vs. Greece Ireland vs. Denmark Finland vs. Argentina Japan vs. Great Britain France vs. Austria Iran vs. Ecuador Brazil vs. Switzerland Belgium vs. South Africa Netherlands vs. New Zealand Colombia vs. Luxembourg Uruguay vs. Mexico Rhodesia vs. United States

Second round

Australia vs. Canada Norway vs. Italy West Germany vs. Ireland Argentina vs. Great Britain France vs. Ecuador Brazil vs. South Africa Netherlands vs. Colombia Uruguay vs. United States

Quarterfinals

Australia vs. Italy West Germany vs. Great Britain France vs. South Africa Netherlands vs. United States

Semifinals

Australia vs. Great Britain South Africa vs. United States

Final

Great Britain vs. South Africa

Consolation Round

Teams which lost in the first or second round of the main draw went on to play in the Consolation Round.

Draw

First round

Mexico vs. Greece Spain vs. Canada Brazil vs. Luxembourg Austria vs. Uruguay Japan vs. Iran Rhodesia vs. Norway Denmark vs. Chinese Taipei

Second round

New Zealand vs. Finland Switzerland vs. Colombia Mexico vs. Canada Brazil vs. Uruguay Japan vs. Rhodesia Belgium vs. Israel Ecuador vs. Ireland

Quarterfinals

New Zealand vs. Colombia Mexico vs. Uruguay Japan vs. Denmark Belgium vs. Ecuador

Semifinals

Colombia vs. Mexico Japan vs. Belgium

Final

Colombia vs. Japan