The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup kicks off on Saturday, June 17 when host nation Russia tackle New Zealand.
The tournament is a preparatory tournament for the 2018 FIFA World Cup which will also be in Russia. It is played every four years and one year before the World Cup year.
The current holders are Brazil who defeated Spain 3 - 0 to win the 2013 edition.
Brazil won the 2013 Confederation Cup
How do teams qualify for the tournament?
There are three ways t qualify for the tournament held every four years. The first is through winning a continental championship ie AFCON, Euros, Copa America, Gold Cup etc.
The second is by being the host nation, hence the inclusion of Russia and third is by winning the FIFA World Cup.
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How is the competition played?
There are eight teams in the competition; seven winners from continental champions and one host nation. The teams will be randomly pitted into two groups of four teams each. Two teams qualify from each group for the semi-finals. The finals are played by the two winners from the semi's. There is also a third place match.
Which teams are in this year's competition?
In group A, we have Russia, New Zealand, Portugal, Mexico and in group B we have Cameroon, Chile, Australia and Germany.
Let us now look at the team playing in this year's competition:
Russia
In this competition as host of the 2018 World Cup. Their star player should be goalkeeper Igo Akinfeev. The team is considerably different from that which played at the 2016 Euros.
Russia qualified as host nation for the competition
New Zealand
New Zealand won the OFC Nations Cup, and they will represent Oceania at the tournament. Leeds United striker Chris Woods will be the man t watch likewise tough defender Tommy Smith who is the team's former captain.
New Zealand were 2016 OFC Nations Cup champion
Portugal
The Euro 2016 winners have big players in the tournament headed by Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. AC Milan striker Andre Silva has been tipped by CR7 to be the next best forward in the world. Bernadao Silva will wear the number 10 shirt and he is another expected to make a mark.
Portugal qualified as Euro 2016 winners
Chile
La Roja will compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup for the first time after winning the 2015 Copa America. Their key players are Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas and Arturo Vidal.
Chile defeated Argentina in the 2015 Copa America final
Mexico
2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico won a one-match head-to-head play-off against 2013 Gold Cup champions USA to seal their place at Russia 2017.
The evergreen Rafa Marquez will be at the competition and is also captain. With talents like hector Herrera, Layun, Giovanni Dos Santos, Jonathan Dos Santos, Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez, expect Mexico to challenge.
Mexico were 2015 CONCACAF Champions
Germany
Joachim Low's team are here as 2014 World Cup champions. Low decided to drop big names like Mats Hummels, Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos as he looks to test other talents. The team however is not short of quality.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is one to watch likewise the Emre Can, Julian Draxler and Leroy Sane.
Germany lift the 2014 World Cup title
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions will represent Africa after winning the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017. The Indomitable Lions came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 in the final in February.
The most threatening attacker for Cameroon is Vincent Aboubakar who scored the winner in the AFCON 2017 final.
Cameroon qualified as AFCON 2017 Champions
AFCON 2017 MVP, Bassagog is in the squad which also has Ajax shot stopper Andre Onana.
Australia
And finally we have Australia who will rely on 37-year-old Tim Cahill for goals. Aaron Mooy and RObbie Kruse are also influential players for the Socceroos.
Australia qualified for Russia 2017 by winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. The Socceroos lifted the trophy on home soil, edging out Korea Republic 2-1 in a dramatic final.
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