Several football legends, including Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Michael Owen, are slated to participate in a high-profile over-35s World Cup set to take place this summer, as reported by the Daily Mail. Organized by the Elite Players Group (EPG), the tournament, known as the EPG Cup, will feature eight teams, each representing past FIFA World Cup champions: England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay.
To be eligible for participation, players must be over the age of 35 and have earned national caps or made 100 top-flight appearances. The team captains, who also happen to be founders of the EPG, include Steve McManaman for England, with Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen expected to join the squad.
England’s roster boasts players such as Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard, and Robbie Fowler. Brazil’s lineup includes legends like Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo, while Germany’s captain, Kevin Kuranyi, aims to recruit former Real Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.
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Additional reports suggest that Spanish squad members will include David Villa, Carles Puyol, and Michel Salgado, while Diego Forlan is set to join forces with Diego Lugano for Uruguay.
The EPG Cup 2024 will feature seven matches at the beginning of June, positioned between the Champions League final and the commencement of Euro 2024. The games will adhere to an 11-a-side format, run for over 70 minutes, and allow rolling substitutes.