The Japan Football Association had pulled out of the July tournament following the country's devastating earthquake and tsunami, but organizers urged them to reconsider.

The JFA has received backing from the J-League, which will provide some players for coach Alberto Zaccheroni's squad and the South American football confederation will help negotiate the release of Japan's players based in Europe.

Copa America spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said the organizing committee had not yet received official confirmation of Japan's participation.

“But if Japan could accompany us, the organizing committee would be proud and very grateful,” Cherquis Bialo said in Buenos Aires.

“Proud because the champion of Asia is going to play, which makes the Copa stronger football-wise, and grateful because we know that it's been a great effort to be able to fulfill this commitment and overcome a tragedy which has hurt the whole world.” Japan was invited to play in the South American championship as a guest nation along with Mexico.