The 1979 edition of the Copa América association football tournament was played between 18 July and 12 December. It was not held in a particular country, all matches were played on a home and away basis. Defending champions Peru were given a bye into the semi-finals.

Squads

Group stage

The teams were drawn into three groups, consisting of three teams each. Each team played twice (home and away) against the other teams in their group, with two points for a win, one point for a draw, nil points for a loss. The winner of each group advanced to the semi-finals. Peru qualified automatically as holders for the semifinal.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Knockout stage

Semi-finals

Chile won 3–1 on points. Paraguay won 3–1 on points.

Finals

As the teams were tied 2–2 on points, a play-off on a neutral ground was required to determine the winner. ''The play-off match finished tied after extra time expired, meaning the teams finished 3–3 on points. Paraguay won on aggregate 3–1.''

Goal scorers

With four goals, Jorge Peredo and Eugenio Morel are the top scorer in the tournament. In total, 63 goals were scored by 41 different players, with none of them credited as own goal. 4 goals 3 goals 2 goals 1 goal