v.
Bolivia. Both
Japan and
Mexico were invited to join the CONMEBOL nations in the tournament. Following a proposal by
UEFA regarding national teams competing in tournaments organised by confederations different from their own, it was reported on 23 November 2009 that the two countries might not be able to take part in the 2011 Copa América. However, on 31 March 2010,
CONCACAF confirmed that Mexico would be allowed to send their 2012 U-23 Olympic Team, supplemented with five over-age players. In addition to Mexico sending a weaker team than those teams sent in previous participations, eight of the Mexican players originally called to play the Copa America 2011 were suspended because of indiscipline one week before the competition started. Japan's participation was in doubt after the
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, but the
Japan Football Association confirmed on 16 March 2011 that they would participate. However, the Japanese FA later withdrew from the tournament on 4 April 2011 citing scheduling conflict with rescheduled
J. League matches. Following a meeting with the leadership of the
Argentine Football Association, the Japanese FA decided to hold off on their final decision until 15 April. The Japanese FA later announced on 14 April that they would compete in the competition using mainly European based players. The Japanese FA withdrew their team again on 16 May citing difficulties with European clubs in releasing Japanese players. On the next day, CONMEBOL sent a formal invitation letter to the
Costa Rican Football Federation inviting
Costa Rica as replacement. Costa Rica accepted the invitation later that day. The following twelve teams, shown with pre-tournament
FIFA World Rankings, played in the tournament: • (10) (hosts) • (93) • (5) (holders) • (27) • (54) • (55) (invitee) • (68) • (9) (invitee) • (32) • (49) • (18) • (69) ==Venues==