i think first should be regional and then world...
and it may take 2 seasons to decide a winner and not 1..... see how good you are compared to teams in your region then this should leave a small pot of 4-6 teams who could tussle it out for the overall prize in the following season...
i havent thought it thru as clearly as some users! but i think its more likely that you would pit your wits against nearby countries and only then advance.... just winning domestically shouldnt put you straight thru....