The first edition of the football tournament at the Pan American Games was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 25 February to 8 March 1951.

Costa Rica and Venezuela entered their full national teams (as they only had amateur football domestically).

[3] Six teams entered the tournament, but Brazil withdrew before the draw.

Paraguay were represented by club side Sport Colombia, while Costa Rica and Venezuela entered their full national teams.

Ángel Ambrosini (DF) Miguel Ángel Baiocco (FW) Roberto Comaschi (MF) Ángel Cuccero (FW) Norberto Cupo (FW) Rogelio Domínguez (GK) José Giarrizo (FW) Carlos Glini (DF) Roberto Infantino (MF) Juan Intini (FW) Carmelo Longo (FW) Alfredo Martínez (FW) Juan Carlos Mendiburu (FW) Manuel Miranda (FW) Carlos Mousegne (DF) Enrique Olivero (DF) José Pellejero (DF) Arturo Rodenak (GK) René Segini (FW) Perfecto Seijo (DF) Alejandro Simion (DF) Osvaldo Vallone (MF) Guillermo Stábile (Head coach) There were 40 goals scored in 10 matches, for an average of 4 goals per match.