The Confederations Cup will likely pit Arsenal stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on opposing sides next summer after Chile were drawn against Germany.
Arsenal’s duo will be among the star names at the tournament, a prelude to the 2018 World Cup, in Russia next summer and their countries were drawn alongside Australia and the winner of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Group B.
Hosts Russia received a more favourable draw; they will face European champions Portugal, New Zealand and Mexico in Group A of the eight-team tournament.
Matches will be played in St Petersburg, whose Krestovsky Stadium will host the opening game and final, Moscow, Sochi and Kazan.
The tournament begins just two weeks after the Champions League final, running from June 17 to July 2 and will be the fourth consecutive summer in which Sanchez has been involved in international football.
That may not be the end for the 27-year-old, who could find himself playing in an international tournament every summer until 2020 should Chile qualify for the World Cup.
CONFEDERATIONS CUP DRAW IN FULL
Group A: Russia, New Zealand, Portugal, Mexico
Group B: Africa Cup of Nations winner, Chile, Australia, Germany
