It isn’t one of the most prestigious events in world football, and will definitely be overshadowed by the much bigger World Cup in Brazil this June, but the International Champions Cup in late July through early August is set to bring some of the premier talent in the world to multiple cities all over the United States starting with the first game’s kickoff on July 24 and ending with the final match on August 4 in Miami, Florida, which is set to be the new home of a Major League Soccer club organized by David Beckham. This annual event, which is only in its second year, is one of the best opportunities to see the class of European talent on the other side of the pond in the USA.
True, this is a preseason event, but there is no way that there won’t be some fireworks with these clubs present. There is just too much history and big names for these games to go by quietly. Let’s look at who’s invited to the tournament, and how you can see the games.
Group A Analysis Real Madrid, who won the inaugural championship last summer is back to defend its title in Group A. Madrid finds themselves paired with struggling Italian side Inter Milan in one of the tournament’s opening matches. Group A is rounded out by Manchester United, who is in the midst of an equally disappointing campaign, and another Italian side, AC Roma.
Rosters may change a bit between now and July, but Real is the clear favorite to take this group (and perhaps the championship) if they maintain the level of play that they are enjoying currently in Europe after a complete dismantling of Schalke by a score of 6-1.
Group B Analysis As a whole, Group B appears to be the stronger quartet of teams. Manchester City and AC Milan, who play on July 27th in Pittsburgh are joined by Greek powerhouse Olympiacos and a star studded Liverpool team. On paper, Man City is the strongest of these teams but this is football and we all know that anything can happen. You can never count out Luis Suarez and his Liverpool side who can put up goals in a hurry when they find their stride.
The most intriguing pairing on either side of the bracket for me is the match between Liverpool and Man City at the legendary Yankee Stadium in New York City. I’d pay a lot of money to be at this game.
This is anything but a bold prediction, but I’m expecting a Real Madrid - Man City final in Miami.
How to get to the games Tickets are already for sale for most of the games, with the rest opening up within the next few weeks. Chances are they will get snatched up pretty quickly by locals, as well as these club’s extremely well traveled supporters if fans have any money left after Brazil’s expensive World Cup. With games all over the country, in cities from Phoenix to Washington DC, American football, err soccer, fans will most likely have a chance to see a game in their region.
The full schedule can be viewed here on the tournament’s official webpage, and tickets can be purchased straight from that page as well or you can head to Ticketmaster to book your spot in one of the stadiums for what should be the end to a very exciting summer of football, and the beginning of another grueling league campaign for these clubs. As of now tickets start at about 40 dollars, with lower level seats available at some games for 60 USD.