This summer is set to be an unparalleled season of football, with some of the most anticipated tournaments lining up to delight fans worldwide. From the pinnacle of club football in Europe to prestigious national team competitions. Each event is bound to deliver clashes of talent, skill and pride. So plant yourself somewhere comfortable and get ready to plan your viewing.
The Champions League final, the peak of European club football, will see the continent's best teams battle it out for the coveted title. Dortmund has Mbappé’s already headed home and likely on to pastures new, while English sensation Jude Bellingham still has the chance to win another trophy before the Euro 2024 tournament begins.
Following the Champions League, the attention shifts to the Euros hosted in Germany. With the German team eager to redeem themselves after recent setbacks. The tournament is set to be fiercely competitive from the first stages. Several groups are particularly tough this year, with Group B featuring powerhouses like Spain, Croatia, and the 2021 champions Italy. England, as ever, expects, this time fielding a squad brimming with talent like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Twenty eight years later, can they (finally) bring football back home? Meanwhile, the Netherlands, despite a lack of star names, and Belgium, looking to overcome their World Cup disappointment, are teams to watch as they navigate through their respective groups. Portugal hopes to blast through their group with the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo present. Turkey have a strong team and a thick swathe of support throughout Germany, which almost gives them a home team type advantage.
The Copa America could mark the end of an era, with Lionel Messi potentially playing in his last tournament for Argentina. This adds a layer of poignancy to the competition, as fans might witness the final chapters of Messi's illustrious international career. The tournament as ever will showcase South American football culture, featuring intense rivalries and passionate play. However, with the rise of football (or should we say soccer) interest in the US, there’s a strong a level of expectation. Bring it on!
The Olympics in Paris will showcase the next generation of football stars. The men's tournament, predominantly an under-23 event, might still feature world class talent like local player Mbappé. His participation depends on achieving club release, with destination club Real Madrid already hinting at withholding players. This tournament often provides a platform for young stars to shine on an international stage. However - there’s always a chance Leo Messi makes an appearance as one of the older players allowed.
On the women's side, the competition is ratcheted up several notches. The compact twelve team format is a veritable pressure cooker of talent. Teams like the USA, under new management with Emma Hayes, are eager to bounce back after World Cup disappointment. Unbelievably, reigning world champions Spain are set to headline their very first Olympic tournament. Hosts France are also contenders, with a squad full of talent ready to claim glory on home soil.
This Summer of Football promises to be a global celebration of the sport. Stories waiting to be written and legends waiting to be made. Whether it’s potential farewells to legendary figures or the coronation of new heroes, football fans worldwide are in for an unforgettable ride.
Why not come and join us to follow each event on the Matchday Discord.
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