It was planned to be held from 7 until 22 August 2021 in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago.[1] However, following the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics to July and August 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic the tournament was rescheduled and on 4 September 2020 the hosts Trinidad and Tobago withdrew from hosting the tournament.[2]
Argentina were the defending champions, winning the 2017 edition.[3] They defended their title after a final win over Chile.
The top six teams from the previous Pan American Cup, the host if not already qualified and the winner of the 2021 Pan American Challenge qualified for the tournament.[1]
As per statistical convention in field hockey, matches decided in extra time are counted as wins and losses, while matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.