The event was won by Fabio Dal Zotto of Italy, the nation's first victory in the men's foil since 1936 and fifth overall (second all-time behind France's seven).

In contrast, France won its fourth consecutive bronze medal with Bernard Talvard's third-place finish.

[2] Kuwait made its debut in the men's foil; East Germany competed separately for the first time.

The 1976 tournament returned to a mix of pool and knockout rounds similar to that used in 1968, after the 1972 edition briefly used a pool-only format.

They faced off again in the barrage to determine the gold and silver medals; Dal Zotto again defeated Romankov, 5–1.