The men's coxed four event was part of the rowing programme at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

France did not compete in the event at the Olympics, however, and Canada's team boat did not make it to Antwerp.

[2] Brazil, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, and the United States each made their debut in the event.

Belgium, Norway, and Sweden competed for the second time, matching the absent France and Germany for a five-way tie for most among nations to that point.

One of the riggers cracked immediately before the race started; the team managed to get into the lead anyway.