World Football Challenge 2011 Preview: Top Clubs Come to America for the Summer

The World Football Challenge returns to America and kicks off tonight on July 13.

This first game will see Manchester United, one of the six European clubs to partake, take on the New England Revolution.

The English contingent includes Manchester United and Manchester City, their inner city rivals.

"El Clasico" rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid represent Spain, while Juventus and Sporting club de Portugal come from Italy and Portugal, respectively.

Along with these European teams, there are two Mexican clubs, Guadalajara and Club America.

All these teams will compete against each other as well as five MLS teams.

The last World Football Challenge did not have any MLS participants, but MLS teams have previously played European opponents in the summer.

In past years, these games have been intriguing because of the differing levels of the participants.

The European teams are generally just beginning their preseason, thus making the games a little more even. These teams are also less likely to let star players participate for a variety of reasons.

Managers will be wary of playing their best players due to injury concerns and will rest them if they have played in a big summer tournament like the Gold Cup or Copa America. These games are more likely to be used to give an opportunity to the fringe players and youngsters.

That being said, the fans will show up to see the stars, and a number of them should be participating.

The Mexican teams are in a similar boat but are much more prepared as the beginning of their season is closer.

The MLS teams will come out with a purpose.

These games can help enhance their reputation, and regardless of the level of fitness of their opponent, they are still playing against quality players. A win would help team confidence, as well as the organization and the MLS as a whole.

For at least the next month, these teams will play each other in a variety of locations across the U.S.

Fans should look forward to a football treat for the next couple weeks.

All games are to be broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2. A schedule of the games can be found here.

Not included in this list of games is the MLS All-Star game against Manchester United on July 27th.