The eighth edition of the Men's Football Tournament at the Pan American Games was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 2 July to 14 July 1979. Nine teams competed in a first round-robin competition, with Brazil defending the title. After the preliminary round there was a second round, followed by a knock-out stage.
Games were played at Estadio Country Club, Estadio Sixto Escobar and Estadio Hiram Bithorn. Brazil won their third gold medal after beating Cuba in the final.