The six continental champions, one World Cup winner and the host nation are gearing up for battle.
They have announced their 23-man squads for the Confederations Cup 2013 in Brazil, a dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup 2014 which is also to be organised in Brazil.
As such, South Americans have plenty to cheer about what with Brazil and Uruguay in the fray. World Cup winner Spain and Italy represent Europe to carry forward the South America versus Europe tussle. After all, that is what world football is all about. Central America has Mexico to cheer for, Asia has Japan, Africa go with Nigeria and Oceania has a new representative in Tahiti.
Neymar, Oscar, David Luiz, Dani Alves and Hulk are some of the famous Brazilian names while Luis Suarez, the controversial Liverpool star, who scored 23 goals during the last Premier League season, and the top scorer Diego Forlan lead the Uruguayan challenge.
Spain rely on their old war horses Fernando Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Fabregas, though the exciting Mata is yet to explode on the international stage.
The Italians, in contrast, are a combination of youth and experience with Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi leading a pack of youngsters like Mario Balotelli, Riccardo Montolivo and Stephan El Shaarawy.
All eyes will be on Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo for Japan while Mexico will be looking to Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez to deliver.
Nigeria are full of fresh faces and emerging stars with John Obi Mikel and Joseph Akpala the experienced stars in their line-up. Tahiti depend on Steevy Chong Hue, Teaonui Tehau and Marama Vahirua who starred in their campaigns.
