In the men's football tournament of the 2007 Pan American Games, the Pan American Sports Organisation expanded the number of participants from 8 to 12[1] and set the age limit to the Under-20 level.

However, CONMEBOL, representing the South American nations, only accepted to play with Under-17 teams (who qualified through the 2007 South American Under-17 Football Championship), since Under-20 teams had to participate at the U-20 World Cup at the same time.

[2] The United States accepted to play with their Under-18 team.

Finally, Peru declined to play because their U-17 team preferred to play friendlies in Asia in preparation for the U-17 World Cup, so Bolivia took their place.

In the final, Ecuador beat Jamaica to win their first gold medal.