The Over 35s World Cup is set to commence on June 4, with the quarter-finals taking place on June 4 and 5, followed by the semi-finals on June 8 and the final on June 11.
An exhilarating new tournament is on the horizon in England this year, dubbed the EPG Cup. It will showcase some of football’s all-time greats, with eight teams competing in an over-35s World Cup. Among the participating teams are England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay, all of whom have clinched FIFA World Cup victories in the past.
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Elite Veterans: What is The Over-35s World Cup?
The Over-35s World Cup, organized by the Elite Players Group (EPG), is a prestigious football tournament scheduled to commence on June 4. The quarter-finals are slated for June 4 and 5, followed by the semi-finals on June 8 and the final on June 11. While the venue is yet to be confirmed, discussions have reportedly been underway with several top Northern clubs from the Premier League.
This tournament is exclusive to players aged 35 or older who have either represented their country or accrued 100 top-flight appearances. Matches will feature 11 players per side and will run for 70 minutes. Teams will have the flexibility to utilize roll-on substitutes from their 18-man squads.
Newcastle’s St James’ Park Likely Venue for Over-35s World Cup Matches
The tournament is scheduled to feature seven matches, all slated to occur in the same stadium at the beginning of June. As of the current moment, St James’ Park stands as the primary candidate to host this summer’s showcase.
Newcastle has emerged as the favored city to host all seven games following positive discussions between the competition’s organizers, the EPG, and both the club and the local council, as reported.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been appointed to lead a team of officials for the tournament. Notably, VAR will not be utilized during the competition, a decision that has pleased many fans. Additionally, the EPG intends to equip players on the field with microphones and to broadcast live GPS and heart-rate monitor data.
Key Players Set to Lead Their Countries in the Over-35s World Cup
The leaders representing each country are the founders of the EPG. Steve McManaman is anticipated to lead England, Esteban Cambiasso is designated as captain for Argentina, and Emerson is poised to skipper Brazil. Completing the roster are Christian Karembeu (France), Kevin Kuranyi (Germany), Marco Materazzi (Italy), Michel Salgado (Spain), and Diego Lugano (Uruguay). Final selections for the full 18-man squads are yet to be confirmed.
England is anticipated to assemble a lineup boasting several Premier League legends. Michael Owen, the recipient of the 2001 Ballon d’Or, is slated to join the Three Lions, alongside Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard, and Robbie Fowler, who have reportedly committed to the squad.
Brazil emerges as a formidable force with a lineup potentially featuring three former Ballon d’Or winners – Kaka, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho – alongside Cafu and Roberto Carlos. Thierry Henry, widely regarded as one of the premier players in Premier League history, is expected to represent France, alongside former AC Milan and Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly.
Hernan Crespo and Pablo Zabaleta are potential inclusions for Argentina, while Mesut Ozil, who retired from football just last year, is poised to represent Germany, alongside fellow 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira.
Spain is positioned as a top contender, with prolific goal-scorer David Villa expected to feature, along with Barcelona icon and three-time Champions League winner Carles Puyol. Additionally, Francesco Totti, a legend of Roma, and Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d’Or recipient, are slated to play for Italy. Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United, Villarreal, and Atletico Madrid striker, is listed to represent Uruguay.
Legends Return: The Over-35s World Cup Set to Showcase Football’s Seasoned Stars
The Over-35s World Cup is anticipated to feature numerous legendary players representing their respective countries. Some of the notable names rumored to participate include Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Michael Owen, Kaka, and Francesco Totti, among others.
Here is a list of some of the key players expected to participate for each country in the Over-35s World Cup:
England
- Steve McManaman (C)
- Michael Owen
- Ashley Cole
- Joe Cole
- Rio Ferdinand
- David James
- Frank Lampard
- Robbie Fowler
Argentina
- Esteban Cambiasso (C)
- Hernan Crespo
- Pablo Zabaleta
Brazil
- Emerson (C)
- Kaka
- Ronaldinho
- Rivaldo
- Cafu
- Roberto Carlos
France
- Christian Karembeu (C)
- Thierry Henry
- Marcel Desailly
Germany
- Kevin Kuranyi (C)
- Mesut Ozil
- Sami Khedira
Italy
- Marco Materazzi (C)
- Fabio Cannavaro
- Francesco Totti
Spain
- Michel Salgado (C)
- David Villa
- Carlos Puyol
Uruguay
- Diego Lugano (C)
- Diego Forlan
EPG President Matias Sarasola’s Vision: Transforming the Over-35s World Cup into an Annual Event
The intention is to transform the tournament into an annual affair, with plans to broaden its scope beyond the eight previous World Cup winners for future editions. Matias Sarasola, President of the EPG, conveyed this vision in an interview with the Daily Mail, stating:
”England created this sport and we wanted to launch the new category here, too. We would like to have full stadiums, so we will try and do the minimum ticket price possible. We would like to give the opportunity for all the city to go there. We want to make it as inclusive as possible. We will start with this event, but we would like to grow. Tennis and golf have senior or masters categories and that is what we are creating.”
”We want to extend a footballer’s professional life. It is to give them the opportunity to continue competing. The most important thing is all of them want to play for glory. When I have been with former players, they say they want to play again, but not just in an exhibition match. They want to play to win.”
