If you thought that the 2015 was a dream come true, being able to watch some of the best soccer players in the world at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, just wait ‘till you see what’s next.
The Copa America Centenario 2016 is coming to the ‘Soccer Capital of the South’ and it will bring not only some of the brightest stars in the world, but potentially some of the best players in the history of the game.
Lets take a deeper look at what players will potentially be coming to play this historic tournament at the Orlando Citrus Bowl from June 3-26.
City Beautiful to Host Copa America Centenario 2016 Tournament in June
First, arguably the best player in the world and one of the best in the history, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi could very well be in town to represent the 2014 World Cup finalist Argentina at the Copa America Centenario. Currently the third best national team in the world by the FIFA Rankings, ‘La Albiceleste’ has some of the best players around the world – including Paris Saint Germain midfielder Angel Di Maria and Manchester City attacker Sergio Agüero.
Its arch rival Brazil might show up and perform their ‘jogo bonito’ (Beautiful game) at the Orlando Citrus Bowl during the tournament with their top-class players. Orlando City captain Kaká could host future Ballon d’Or contender and FC Barcelona striker Neymar and PSG’s defenders David Luiz and Thiago Silva when ‘La Canarinha’ travel for the competition.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner and Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez and FIFA World Cup top assister and Juventus F.C. winger Juan Cuadrado are two other superstars that could appear in the Copa with Colombia.
Also, Arsenal F.C. winger Alexis Sanchez and FC Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal could wear ‘La Roja’ with the 2014 Copa América winner Chile, while FC Barcelona striker Luis Suárez and PSG’s forward Edinson Cavani might come and represent Uruguay.
The CONCACAF nations will aim to demonstrate their level by bringing their brightest stars and battle for the prestigious tournament.
Orlando City’s player Brek Shea could possibly join the United States Men’s National Team to defend their home turf alongside players like Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones.
The lethal Gold Cup winners and Mexican attackers Chicharito and Giovani Dos Santos will look to repeat their performances earlier this year at the Orlando Citrus Bowl when both found the back of the net against Costa Rica in a 2-2 draw, while Arsenal F.C. midfielder Joel Campbell and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas will aim to copy their 2014 World Cup performance with Costa Rica.
It is impossible to cover all of the immense talent that could possibly be attending this prestigious tournament. Having to leave out countless stars like Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero, Venezuelan attacker Salomón Rondón, Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia and many, many more. Fortunately, this is a very positive sign of what’s to come in 2016 when the Copa America Centenario comes to Orlando.
