Teams across the globe will continue their qualifying campaigns this summer, with matches taking place in every confederation. Some of the key matchups to look out for include Argentina vs. Brazil in South America, Belgium vs. France in Europe, and Mexico vs. the United States in CONCACAF.
European Championship
The delayed Euro 2020 tournament is finally set to take place this summer, with matches kicking off on June 11. The tournament will feature 24 teams from across Europe competing for the title of European champions. Some of the favorites to watch include defending champions Portugal, World Cup winners France, and perennial contenders Germany and Spain.
Copa America
South America’s premier international tournament, the Copa America, will also take place this summer. The tournament will feature 10 teams from the CONMEBOL region battling it out for continental supremacy. Brazil will be looking to defend their title on home soil, but traditional powers like Argentina and Uruguay will be looking to challenge them.
With so much soccer to watch this summer, fans are in for a treat as they get to see some of the best players in the world competing on the international stage. Whether it’s World Cup qualifying, the European Championship, or the Copa America, there will be no shortage of excitement and drama on the pitch.
So make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the summer of soccer heats up!
Four nations – Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina – have already secured their spots in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, joining the three host nations. As the qualification process continues, several other teams have the opportunity to join them before the month is over. While some confederations have been in the midst of their qualifying campaigns for months, Europe is just beginning its qualification tournament. This month, high-profile teams such as Germany, Spain, France, and Italy will play their first qualifiers.
Italy, under the guidance of Luciano Spaletti, will be a team to watch during UEFA’s qualifying run. The Azzurri have missed the last two editions of the World Cup, a surprising drought considering their victory in the Euros in 2021. The team will be eager to make a strong comeback on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the Club World Cup is set to kick off with a new format featuring 32 clubs from around the world. The tournament, taking place in the United States, will see the likes of new Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, European heavyweights Real Madrid and Chelsea, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami competing for the title. MLS’ LAFC secured the final spot in the competition after winning a play-in match against Club America.
It remains to be seen how each team will approach the new-look Club World Cup, with questions surrounding squad rotation and player fatigue. Al-Hilal, owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, may make a big splash by recruiting Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr. European clubs, on the other hand, will have to balance their participation in the tournament with the demands of a long and grueling season.
In July, the Women’s Euro will return with 16 teams competing in Switzerland. Reigning champions England will be looking to defend their title, but they will face stiff competition from a transformed Spain team. Spain, once a team with potential but no major tournament success, has emerged as a formidable force in women’s football and will enter the competition as the favorites.
While England will be without goalkeeper Mary Earps, who recently announced her international retirement, they will rely on Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton to lead them in the tournament. Expectations will be high for both England and Spain as they vie for glory in Switzerland.
Top Stories
Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant performance in the Champions League final against Inter has sparked talks of a potential dynasty under coach Luis Enrique. The celebrations in Paris turned tragic as two people lost their lives, casting a shadow over the victory. Tributes were paid to Xana Enrique, Luis Enrique’s daughter who passed away in 2019.
The Champions League team of the season featured several PSG and Barcelona players, highlighting their stellar performances throughout the campaign. Inter manager Simone Inzaghi is likely to part ways with the club following their defeat in the final, despite an otherwise successful tenure.
Looking ahead, discussions have already begun about next season’s Champions League contenders, with early predictions circulating. Young talent Lily Yohannes celebrated her first year with the USWNT, showcasing her potential on the international stage.
In managerial news, Massimiliano Allegri is set to take charge of AC Milan next season, while Jonatan Giraldez is rumored to make a surprising move to OL Lyon after a brief stint with the Washington Spirit. David Beckham criticized Manchester United players for their lack of respect towards fans, drawing comparisons to PSG’s team spirit.
As the offseason unfolds, attention is turning to teams looking to break curses and meet expectations in the upcoming season. The football world is buzzing with anticipation and excitement as the sport continues to captivate fans around the globe.
The Back Line
Best Bets
- Club World Cup: Champions
The Pick: Paris Saint-Germain to win (+650) – Paris Saint-Germain may not be the favorites according to oddsmakers, but they are well-positioned to win the Club World Cup. With their recent Champions League victory and Luis Enrique’s tactical prowess, PSG is a formidable opponent. While Real Madrid and Manchester City are also contenders, PSG’s current form makes them a strong bet for success in the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is on the verge of making history by potentially turning their historic treble-winning season into a quadruple-winning season. With their dominant performances in the domestic league and cup competitions, it seems like PSG’s competition to lose as they aim to conquer all fronts.
The French giants have already secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, showcasing their superiority over their domestic rivals. Now, their focus shifts to the UEFA Champions League, where they have a golden opportunity to add the prestigious European trophy to their cabinet.
Under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, PSG have been in scintillating form, with their star-studded squad firing on all cylinders. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi have formed a formidable attacking trio that has been wreaking havoc on opposition defenses throughout the season.
The addition of Messi to the squad in the summer has only strengthened PSG’s chances of success in Europe, with the Argentine maestro bringing his wealth of experience and quality to the team. With a squad boasting such talent and depth, PSG are well-equipped to compete at the highest level and challenge for the Champions League title.
As the Champions League knockout stages approach, PSG will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive form. With key players hitting their stride at the right time, the Parisian outfit will be a force to be reckoned with in the latter stages of the competition.
With the prospect of a quadruple-winning season within reach, PSG will be laser-focused on achieving their ultimate goal. The hunger and determination within the squad to make history and etch their names in the annals of football folklore will be a driving force as they navigate through the challenges that lie ahead.
As the football world watches with bated breath, PSG’s quest for quadruple glory will undoubtedly be one of the most captivating storylines in the sport this season. With each passing game, the excitement and anticipation will only continue to grow as PSG look to etch their names in the history books with an unprecedented achievement.
