By DAN KARELL
A star-studded cast of teams have agreed to return to the United States for the second edition of the International Champions Cup.
Defending champions Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City are among the eight teams invited for the 2014 ICC, with games taking place across the country. The tournament is set to take place from July 26-August 4 with the final being played once again at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
This year’s tournament will feature two four-team groups, with each team playing three group games. The winners of each group will meet in the final.
Liverpool, AC Milan, Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Olympiacos will also join the tournament. Confirmed venues for the matches will be in New York, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Miami. An additional venue is expected to be announced at a later date.
Unlike the 2013 ICC, there will be no Major League Soccer teams competing in the tournament. The LA Galaxy participated in last year’s event.
According to an SI.com report, the teams are subject to change due to where they finish in their respective leagues. For example, if any of the teams involved qualify for the 2014/2015 UEFA Champions League or Europa League and have to play in qualifying matches, those will take precedent over the ICC.
In addition, as this tournament is happening so soon after a World Cup, there’s a chance that many of the star players from each team could be absent as they rest ahead of another European season.
Real Madrid won last year’s tournament with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the final.
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What do you think of this news? Glad to see some of the world’s biggest teams come to the USA? Do you plan on attending any of the games?
Share your thoughts below.
This is awesome. I can’t wait! I would choose watching these teams over these wack sorry players in the MLS
yep
I would have more interest if one or two MLS teams were included. Alas, they are not. At least MLS benefits by getting 75% of the profits SUM makes.
If we are spending crazy money on touring Europeans I would rather go see a double billing of Big Country and Johnny Hates Jazz.
good god. Remind me never to let Reid see or touch my ipod
in a big country, dreams wait for you
rumor in Michigan is they will be at Michigan stadium
I already have August 2 at the Big House on my calendar.
Man Utd v. Real Madrid is what I heard
they are
Man Utd may have some issues though if they have to play Europa League games.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/feb/04/manchester-united-us-tour-europa-league
Man City vs Liverpool in Charlotte a few days before my Birthday…Yes, Please… and Count Me In!
i’ll think about going if they come to CA. can’t imagine the rosters are going to be that impressive though.
This is great. I’ll likely catch a couple of these matches.
I’m glad there aren’t any MLS teams competing in it this year. Its so ridiculous that teams would take time during the middle of the season to compete in some pointless preseason friendly tourney for European teams. If you want to work in your own friendlies as club when the team has 2 or 3 weeks off during the season that’s fine. Just don’t do these types of events like the ICC.
+ 1
Now that LAG can send their USL squad to this tourney it might not be a bad thing for MLS.
Why would any MLS teams play? they’re too scared.
Taking Americans hard earned money by bringing out of form European teams. Nothing but BS if you ask me.
If other American have money to spend watching soccer, why does it bother you? Seriously?
My guess is that the amount of money and time to spend is not ulimited. So, US Soccer would be way better off if all of this money went into MLS/USMNT. BS indeed!
If a private investor wants to invest in bringing over teams to have a tournament in the United States, please tell me why this is a problem.
The negativity Americans show toward this sport is amazing at times.
The amount of life I have is limited too. I can’t wait for a Real Madrid to appear in MLS. Sorry for my selfishness.
Hey, I’d rather watch out-of-form Ronaldo and Messi than any of the in-form MLS stars.
Your name says it all! And if it’s any indication of what most fans feel in the US then soccer will always be a minor sport here.
no
out-of-form Ronaldo and Messi will most likely be resting after the World Cup instead of playing in this tournament.
Or maybe they will make a 15 minute sub appearance and jog around a bit.
Line up for tickets now!
You’re right, messi wont play… hes not coming. Where fo you see that barca is playing. Also, Gareth Bale isnt in the world cup and there are thousands who would love to see him play.
USSF gets a juicy cut. Don’t worry about it. This is a good thing.
Not really taking when people choose to go watch these games. And out of form madrid or united crushes any mls team
They might disagree with that in Kansas City who beat an out of form Manchester United the last time around.
“New York, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Miami.”
NO LA? or CALIFORNIA AT ALL?!
Did you forget to read that there is one more venue likely to be added to that list?
I think the other site may be The Big House in Ann Arbor.
The rumor is that Manchester United is supposed to play Real Madrid on August 2nd at 4. We’ll have to see-Miami may object to a bigger venue hosting a premier match like that, possibly drawing over 100,000 for it.
Don’t forget ann arbor.
Sighhhhhh never houston…
God, who cares?
+ 1
Exactly, maybe it’d be interesting if an MLS team was involved.
Definitely not Casillas or the Madrid players from last year, judging from the picture above. More like “why are we standing around with this trophy during our preseason?”
Soccer groupies…..start your engines!!