The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, the tune-up tournament for the main event that will follow in 2018, draw took place this morning in Kazan, Russia. The tournament will be held this summer, running from June 17 to July 2, throughout Russia, and we now know the makeup of the two groups at the competition.
Group A features the hosts, Russia, along with the winners of Euro 2016, Portugal. Also in the group are the winners of the 2015 CONCACAF Cup playoff match, Mexico, and New Zealand, the winners of the 2016 OFC Nations Cup Final.
Group B has early tournament favorites and defending world champions Germany, 2016 Copa America Centenario victors Chile and Australia, winners of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup Final. The final place in Group B will be given to the winners of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Completed #ConfedCup Draw:
GROUP A: Russia, Portugal, Mexico, New Zealand
GROUP B: Germany, Chile, Australia, CAF Winners— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 26, 2016
The tournament will kick-off on June 17, with Russia playing New Zealand in Saint Petersburg. Mexico will open their campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on June 18 at the Kazan Arena. Chile and Germany will clash on June 22 in one of the tournament's most intriguing early matchups.