Here’s a report, image and film from the first World Cup qualifying match played in England (from this date, 16 November, in 1949). It saw England thrash Ireland 9-2 at Maine Road. This was a historic game for obvious reasons and the match programme explained how the World Cup operated as this was the first time England had participated in the tournament.
Here’s film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktdSk-o6YNA
Here’s a newspaper report:
Gary James' Football Archive 