ORLANDO, Fla. – Next month, several international soccer clubs will descend upon Orlando in the first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Orlando is one of 11 host cities and the only city to have two venues hosting games at both Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium.
“The Club World Cup is going to be featuring the biggest names in club football,” FIFA Spokesperson Bryan Swanson told News 6 Sports Director Jamie Seh. “Of course, there are other poster players such as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami; you’ve got Erling Haaland at Manchester City. But you have many, many other players from around the world that when supporters see them play, it will be a moment for them to enjoy.”
Manchester City from England is one of eight teams playing in Orlando. The other clubs include Juventus FC from Italy, CR Flamengo from Brazil, Ulsan HD from South Korea, Mamelodi Sundowns FC from South Africa, SL Benfica from Portugal, Auckland City FC from New Zealand, and the winner of Los Angeles FC from the U.S. and Club América from Mexico.
The stunning trophy, unveiled last month in Orlando by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, will be awarded to the champion in July. The final match is Sunday, July 13.
“We’re expecting this to be a festival of football,” Swanson said. “Ultimately, football or soccer is all about fun. It’s about competitiveness, but it’s about people coming and enjoying themselves. You’ve got a great base in Orlando; it’s so well-known around the world, and we expect it to be a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.”
Here is the schedule of FIFA Club World Cup games coming to Orlando:
June 17 - Ulsan HD vs. Mamelodi Sundowns FC at Inter&Co Stadium
June 20 - SL Benfica vs. Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium
June 24 - winner of LAFC/Club América vs. CR Flamengo at Camping World Stadium
June 26 - Juventus FC vs. Manchester City at Camping World Stadium
June 30 - Round of 16 match at Camping World Stadium
July 4 - Quarterfinals match at Camping World Stadium