English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton will take their pre-season preparations Stateside by competing in the 2021 Florida Cup. Taking place on 25 July and 28 July at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the tournament will see the English sides joined by Italy’s Inter Milan and Colombia’s Millonarios FC.
The first night of action on Sunday 25 July will see reigning Serie A champions Inter take on Arsenal and in the other match Everton face Millonarios FC in the semi-finals. The two winners will then meet for the Florida Cup title on Wednesday 28 July with the remaining two clubs facing off in the third-fourth placed game the same night.
How to buy Florida Cup tickets
Single-day tickets for either date include both contests and start at $44 plus taxes and fees. Two-day passes, featuring four top-tier international club matches, start at $90. Tickets are now on sale, but start times and broadcast information are yet to be confirmed. See floridacup.com
What the organisers say
Ricardo Villar, CEO, Florida Cup: “The dates have changed, but the Florida Cup’s essence remains, and we are so happy to be able to bring such a powerful international lineup to Orlando as we connect Europe and South America once again at this summer’s event. We look forward to delivering an outstanding training experience for our participating clubs, while also providing an exciting week of action and entertainment to local fans and club supporters in Central Florida for the festivities.”
Steve Hogan, CEO, Florida Citrus Sports: “The Florida Cup represents an important milestone for Florida Citrus Sports and will play a huge role in helping us grow our impact throughout the Central Florida region. We are thrilled to welcome these powerful global brands and their legions of passionate fans to Orlando as we build on the city’s history as a major international soccer destination and embark on this new, exciting challenge.”
What the clubs say
Mikel Arteta, manager, Arsenal: “We’re very pleased to see our pre-season plans ramping up with the announcement of our trip to the United States to take part in the Florida Cup. The tournament features three good sides that will provide strong opposition, and the training and matchday facilities in Orlando will provide a first-class environment for our preparations for next season.”
Giuseppe Marotta, CEO Sport, FC Internazionale Milano: “We couldn’t be happier to add a pair of Florida Cup fixtures to our training schedule as we continue our Scudetto celebrations in the U.S. along with our first team. The entire Club is excited for the upcoming trip to Orlando for a challenging pair of matches, and the organization is eager for the opportunity to celebrate alongside our many American supporters.”
Enrique Camacho, president, Millonarios FC: “We are incredibly excited to play in this year’s Florida Cup alongside three of Europe’s most recognizable and accomplished teams, including Everton and stars James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina. It is a fitting challenge and a momentous occasion as we celebrate 75 years of history in Colombia, and we are hungry to compete in front of our fans in Orlando.”
2021 Florida Cup fixtures
- Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
- Sunday 25 July – semi-finals: Arsenal vs. Inter Milan; Everton vs. Millonarios FC
- Wednesday 28 July: third-fourth placed and final
- Tickets: floridacup.com