The Hatchling Cup was the name given to the 24th Baptism of Fire tournament hosted in Sel Appa, which preceded World Cup 37. Prux defeated Tremarendakia 2-0 in the Final at Turtle Stadium. Following the Final, host Sel Appa played the Hatchling Cup All Stars, defeating them 4-1.
Sel Appa was selected to host. The Football Federation of Sel Appa welcomed all nations who entered the Hatchling Cup to Sel Appa. All teams were based at the Grand Nemnenait Hotel, unless another hotel was needed closer to a stadium. Travel was provided free of charge within Sel Appa, by plane or train to each stadium. Three meals a day were provided in various restaurants, sampling different components of Sel Appan, as well as foreign, cuisines. Accommodations were provided for non-human players.
Twenty national teams were drawn into four bales (groups) of five teams each, playing a one-leg bale stage, with each team having a bye day to ensure even matches. The top two in each group proceeded onto the Knockout Stage.
Tie-Breakers
In the bale stage, the ranking of teams in each bale was based on the following criteria:[citation needed]