The 1953 Campeonato Sudamericano was the 22nd game of the South American continental football championship and took place for the fourth time in Peru from February 22 to March 28. Paraguay was originally intended to host the tournament, but organized the tournament in the absence of a suitable stadium in Peru. Argentina , Colombia and Venezuela , the 10th member of CONMEBOL since 1952 , did not take part.
The tournament was played as before in the league system (everyone against everyone). If there was a tie in first place, a playoff was planned. All games were played in the Estadio Nacional in Lima. As in previous tournaments, some games were played as part of a double event on one day.
Paraguay became unbeaten South American champions in football for the first time.