Venue(s) 5 (in 5 host cities) Start date 1997 Best player Ronaldo Teams 12 | Dates June 11 – 29 Top scorer Luis Hernández End date June 29, 1997 | |
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Similar 1999 Copa América, 1995 Copa América, 2001 Copa América, 1993 Copa América, 2004 Copa América |
Bolivia hosted the Copa América for the second time in its 38th edition. It was held from June 11 to 29. It was organised by CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body.
Contents

There is no qualifying for the final tournament. All South American countries (10 countries) participate, along with two more invited countries, making a total of 12 teams competing in the tournament.

In the 1997 edition, Costa Rica and Mexico were the invitees.
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.

Squads
For a complete list of participating squads: 1997 Copa América squads
First round

The teams were divided into three groups of four teams each. The formation of the groups was made by CONMEBOL, in a public drawing of lots that took place on December 17, 1996.

Each team plays one match against each of the other teams within the same group. Three (3) points are awarded for a win, one (1) point for a draw and zero (0) points for a defeat.

First and second placed teams, in each group, advance to the quarter-finals. The best third placed team and the second best third placed team, also advance to the quarter-finals.
- greater goal difference in all group games;
- greater number of goals scored in all group games;
- winner of the head-to-head match between the teams in question;
- drawing of lots.
Ranking of third-placed teams
At the end of the first stage, a comparison was made between the third-placed teams of each group. The two best third-placed teams advanced to the quarter-finals.
Goalscorers
With six goals, Luis Hernández is the top scorer in the tournament. In total, 67 goals were scored by 42 different players, with two of them credited as own goals.
6 goals
5 goals
3 Goals
2 goals
1 goal
Own goals