This was the first Sudamericano Femenino to feature all 10 CONMEBOL confederations' women's national teams. Brazil won the tournament for the third time after beating Argentina 7–1 in the final. Brazil qualified directly to the Women's World Cup and Argentina faced Mexico in two play-off matches for qualification.
Argentina was confirmed as hosts in November 1997.[2]
The ten teams were divided into two groups of five teams each. The top two teams in the groups advanced to the semi-finals. The winner of the tournament qualified for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in the United States.
Three points were awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss.
Tie-breaker
If teams finish leveled on points, the following tie-breakers are used:
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.
Group stage
Key to colours in group tables
Group winners and runners-up advance to the semi-finals