The competition was open for men's teams only. A record number of 18 teams took part in the competition. Israel, who had beaten Netherlands in the final 6–0, won the gold medal.[1]
The 18 teams were divided into four groups, two groups of four and two groups of five, with each team playing the others once. The top team from each group qualified to the semi-finals, while the second-placed team qualified to the 5th-8th place play-off. The rest of the teams were eliminated.
1. The match between Sweden and Austria was scheduled to be played on 14 July 1977. However, the Swedes arrived late to the stadium and the match was given as a 2–0 victory to Austria.[2] Sweden appealed the decision and the match was rescheduled to the 18 July 1977. The rescheduled match was abandoned at the 87th minute, as an Austrian player was sent off, and while walking off the field, he snatched the referee's whistle and took it off-field with him.[3]
1. The match was abandoned at the 59th minute as Venezuela players protested a goal scored by Italy, followed by a brawl started between the players, during which the referee and his assistants were beaten.[2] The match was given to Italy as a 2–0 victory and Venezuela was suspended from their following match.[4] 2. The match was scheduled to be played on 17 July 1977, but was cancelled as Venezuela was punished with suspension following its players actions during the abandoned match against Italy and UK was given walkover victory. However, the punishment was appealed and the suspension was lifted, so the match was rescheduled to 18 July 1977.[5] The rescheduled match was abandoned.[6]
* The 5th/6th play-off match between Uruguay and UK was abandoned at the 78th minute, as Uruguay players protested a UK Goal and assaulted the referee.[1]
Israel
Netherlands
South Africa
Brazil
Uruguay
Sweden
Austria
West Germany
Australia
Belgium
Mexico
Great Britain
Italy
Venezuela
Peru
Chile
United States
Argentina
100'