The world-renowned International Champions Cup is back for 2015 and it is literally bigger and better than last year.
This is the third year of the tournament with the annual summer showcase taking place from July 11 to August 5. Official network partners FOX Sports will televise all of the tournament’s 17 matches live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 or FOX Sports 2.
In 2015, the International Champions Cup will be played across the globe, including standalone tournaments in both China and Australia. Clubs participating in the two new overseas showcases include Real Madrid CF, Manchester City, and AS Roma, providing even more fans from around the world the opportunity to see their favorite clubs live.
Ten clubs from across the globe are participating in the highly anticipated summer tournament, including teams from Spain, England, Portugal, Mexico and Italy, as well as three Major League Soccer franchises. Following is a list of all participating teams, led by Manchester United, the defending International Champions Cup champions:
Manchester United F.C.
FC Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
Chelsea F.C.
FC Porto
Club América
ACF Fiorentina
New York Red Bulls
LA Galaxy
San Jose Earthquakes
This year’s International Champions Cup features the most storied and successful clubs in the world, including many of the world’s top players. The 10 participating teams have won a total of 91 domestic league titles, 98 domestic cup titles, 10 UEFA Champions League titles and six CONCACAF Champions League titles. The teams feature nine of the 2014-2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees, as well as 31 of the top 100 players in the world as chosen yearly by renowned English magazine FourFourTwo.
“The last two years have demonstrated the thirst for soccer in the United States,” said David Tyler, CEO of Relevent Sports. “The clubs participating in the International Champions Cup this year are some of the most storied and well-known in the entire world. Through our tournament and commitment to putting the best product and teams on the pitch, we will continue to grow soccer both domestically and abroad.”
“Year Two of the International Champions Cup set the gold standard for soccer worldwide,” said Charlie Stillitano, Chairman of Relevent Sports. “Not only did more than 600,000 fans pack stadiums to watch elite soccer across the country, but the 109,000 fans attending the Manchester United and Real Madrid match created a historic day for both the tournament and the sport. We are excited to bring even more fans, historic matchups and world-class soccer to iconic venues in 2015.”
The tournament will be seen in over 160 countries across the world and will be played throughout July and August. Official network partners FOX will televise the entirety of the tournament’s 17 matches live on FOX, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. Internationally, future media rights deals will be announced over the coming weeks.
“The International Champions Cup has become a global brand,” said Matt Higgins, CEO of RSE Ventures. “This summer, we will have three tournaments running concurrently across the entire world. In just two years, the International Champions Cup has quickly become one of the premier sports properties in the entire world, and we are eager to continue expanding into new markets and bringing our tournament to additional fans in the years ahead.”
Each participating MLS club will host at least one matchup. Additional information on specific matchups, venues and dates will be announced on April 28. Further details about the 2015 International Champions Cup North America including presale information can be found at www.internationalchampionscup.com.
