It was organized by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body.

The tournament was won by Brazil, who became the first team to hold the Copa América and the World Cup at the same time, a feat they would repeat in 2004.

For a complete list of participating squads: 1997 Copa América squads Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Mexico Paraguay Peru Uruguay United States Venezuela

The formation of the groups was made by CONMEBOL, in a public drawing of lots that took place on 17 December 1996.

At the end of the first stage, a comparison was made between the third-placed teams of each group.