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Pre-Season Starts as Teams Battle for the American Challenge Cup

FC Barcelona are the latest club to confirm their participation in this year's American Challenge Cup. In what has become the norm in world football in recent years, managers from different clubs from all over the world are re-grouping to compete in front of capacity crowds before their domestic leagues even begin play.

The United States will host the friendly competition this year, which will consist of two groups of four teams, with the top two in each group making it to the semi-final stage. Everton, Colon, and Toronto FC are the other confirmed clubs that will be joining FC Barcelona in their group. The other group will consist of Ajax, Leicester City, Atlanta United and Chelsea.

When asked about the increasing importance of pre-season tournaments, FC Barcelona manager Joanne Mercier said, “It's true that these tournaments mean we have to regroup earlier and the players have less time to rest, but it's a great opportunity to try different line-ups and tactics, and ultimately get the boys ready for the season ahead.”

She also added, “It's also important for our football club to treat fans that don't get the opportunity to see these top players from the stands. These tournaments really are special these days.”