International Champions Cup 2013 Bracket: Ranking Top Contenders in Loaded Field

The International Champions Cup features a marquee field of clubs from around Europe along with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer representing the host nation. The showcase will take place across the United States.

As the European clubs prepare for the new campaign to begin, the event serves as a perfect opportunity to shake off the rust while also getting plenty of different players involved. The tournament atmosphere is something that doesn't come with simply friendly matches.

With that in mind, let's check out the eight-team bracket, followed by a closer look at the top contenders in the inaugural event, which takes the place of the World Football Challenge.

Tournament Bracket

For more schedule information, visit the tournament's official site.

Top Contenders

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid are built perfectly for this type of tournament. Not only do they have plenty of star power in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Pepe, but they also have the necessary depth to balance the desire to win the title with the preseason approach.

Although the clubs would obviously like to capture the Cup, there are much bigger matches on the horizon, and they don't want to push their players too hard. So whichever European side is able to get the most production from its depth players is going to come out on top.

Madrid feature no shortage of hungry young players looking for their chance to shine. Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Alvaro Morata and Daniel Carvajal are all capable of making a major impact in the tournament to help carry Real to the crown.

2. Chelsea

Chelsea are an interesting side heading into the new campaign. The Blues' depth in the midfield gives them a terrific chance to completely control matches, but there are still questions about the team's ability to consistently find the necessary finishing touch in front of the goal.

Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar lead a potential attacking group. The tournament should also serve as a chance for players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Marco van Ginkel to show what they bring to the table. Creating scoring opportunities shouldn't be an issue.

Finding a player to convert them will be the key. Fernando Torres is notoriously streaky, and Demba Ba dropped off in the latter stages of last season. Chelsea could use Romelu Lukaku or Andre Schurrle to step up if they are going to win the preseason title.

3. Juventus

The third slot came down to the Serie A sides. Juventus get the edge based on their run to the championship last season. They did it with terrific defense, giving up 12 fewer goals than any other club in Italy's top league.

In an event where most sides will prefer to play an open style, being able to secure the defensive third should serve as a nice advantage for the Vecchia Signora. The combination of Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci gives them strength in the middle of the defense.

The other player to watch is Arturo Vidal. The midfielder doesn't receive enough attention as one of the most well-rounded midfielders in Europe. The more he plays, the better Juventus' chances of bringing the trophy home to Italy.