Javier Guillén

WORLD CUP

OF VETERANS

Villa, Forlán, Kaká, Cambiasso,  Totti, Schweinsteiger…

Elite Players Group, an organisation driven by former footballers, has announced the creation of the EPG World Cup, a tournament for legends.

The eight former winning nations across the history of the FIFA World Cup are involved and it will be played from 11 to 22 December 2023.

The requirements are simple: players must be over 35, must be retired and must have played for their national team or 100 first division matches.

The tournament will be played from the quarter finals. These matches will have two halves of 35 minutes (not the usual 45) and a break of 15 minutes.

If a game is tied, there will be no extra time, but a penalty shoot-out. In addition, each player may re-enter the game up to two times.

SPAIN

As for the players confirmed, Spain will have as captain Michel Salgado. He will be joined by Villa, Morientes, Mendieta and Capdevila.

BRAZIL

Emerson will captain the five-time world champions. Rivaldo, Cafu, Kaka and Edmilson are also  confirmed for the Canarinha.

ITALY

The Italian national team has confirmed Materazzi as captain. In addition Totti is the only other player who has been has been made official so far.

ARGENTINA

Maxi Rodriguez, Zabaleta and Zanetti have been confirmed for the reigning world champions. Cambiasso will lead the Albiceleste in the tournament.

URUGUAY

Lugano will captain the Charrúa. El 'Loco' Abreu and Diego Forlán have also been confirmed to represent Uruguay in the tournament.

GERMANY

The Germans have only confirmed three players. Kevin Kurányi will be the captain and will be alongside Matthäus and Schweinsteiger.

FRANCE

The Gauls have announced Karembeu as captain. In addition to him, Abidal, Gallas and Makélélé have also confirmed their participation.

ENGLAND

The English will have McManaman as captain and he will be accompanied by legends such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.