Making Sense of Kings World Cup Clubs’ Wild Rules

In June, 32 teams convened in Paris for the second installment of the Kings World Cup Clubs, a seven-a-side football tournament based on the Kings League format.

Founded in 2022 by former Spain international Gerard Piqué, the Kings League format underpins the tournament. Piqué aimed to create a `complementary` form of football that emphasizes entertainment above all else. Known for its unique and numerous rules, matches are 40 minutes long (two 20-minute halves) with no possibility of a draw. Unpredictable elements like unlimited substitutions and a mid-half dice roll add to the excitement.

The league is also celebrated for the array of footballing legends and influential figures involved. Gerard Piqué serves as president of Kings League Spain, while other notable presidents include Kaká, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Team owners for this tournament include stars like Neymar Jr. and Lamine Yamal.

The Kings World Cup Clubs tournament runs from June 1 to June 14. All matches are available for viewing on CBS Sports Golazo Network and YouTube.

Here`s a breakdown of key information before you tune in.

Participating Teams

🇺🇸 Kings League Americas

• Olimpo United: Presided over by Chicharito (ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United).
• Persas FC: Presidents include Zeein and Nicola Porcella.
• Los Chamos FC: Considered one of the favorites, led by star duo Juan Cisneros and Genaro Castillo.
• Galácticos del Caribe: Presided by Futbolitos and Alofoke. Star player: Kevin Cardona.

🇧🇷 Kings League Brazil

• Furia FC: Neymar and Cris Guedes are among the owners. Star players: Leleti and Matheus Dedo.
• Fluxo FC: Owned by Cerol and Nobru. The team includes Zé Roberto, former Brazil midfielder.
• Dendele FC: Presidents: Paulinho o Loko and LuquEt4.
• Desimpedidos Goti: Toguro and Yuri22 are the presidents. João Pedro, a World Cup Nations champion, is the star player to watch.

🇫🇷 Kings League France

• F2R: Led by Amine and supported by Samir Nasri and Jérémy Ménez.
• Unit3D: Among the favorites, this team is run by Squeezie, Djilsi, and Maxime.
• Panam All Starz: French champions, backed by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jules Koundé, and Mike Maignan.
• Karasu: Owned by Kameto and coached by Sabry Bezahaf. Top performer: Matisse Henry.

🇩🇪 Kings League Germany

• Futbolistas Locos FC: Presidents include Chefstrobel, Kubaboiii, and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus).
• Era Colonia: Features ex-Bundesliga players Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Moritz Leitner.
• G2 Football Club: Owned by Reeze and Rumathra and supported by German streamer Papaplatte.

🇪🇸 Kings League Spain

• Porcinos FC: The reigning 2024 World Cup champions are chaired by Ibai Llanos and Guanyar.
• Jijantes FC: One of the most popular teams in the Kings League universe, formed by sports journalist Gerard Romero.
• Los Troncos FC: Captained by ex-Espanyol legend Joan Verdú.
• Ultimate Móstoles: Winners of Kings League Spain, presided over by DjMaRiiO.
• xBuyer Team: Secured their spot via last-minute drama. Formed by the Buyer Brothers.

🇮🇹 Kings League Italy

• TRM FC: Italian champions, owned by TheRealMarzaa. Top performers: Alessandro Colombo and Francesco Caputo.
• Gear 7 FC: President: Manuuxo. Lost star Fran Hernández to injury pre-tournament.
• FC Zeta: Led by ZW Jackson and Luca Toni. MVP from the first split: Matteo Perrotti (25 goals).
• Boomers: President: Fedez. Qualified via a dramatic double penalty goal from Simone Lo Faso.

🌍 Wild Card teams

• Kunisports: Kun Agüero`s squad returns as a fan favorite.
• La Capital CF: Team associated with Lamine Yamal makes its first KWCC appearance.
• Miami 7: Presidents include Jake Paul and Adin Ross, bringing American flair.
• Ultra Chmicha: Led by Ilyas El Maliki, a major streamer from Morocco.
• Murash FC: Owned by Japanese streamer Junichi Kato.
• Jynxzi FC: Jynxzi, a massive U.S. Twitch creator, presides over the team.
• SXB FC: Run by Saudi creator SHoNgxBоNg.
• Zaytouna FC: Owned by global music star Gims.

Tournament Rules: Mechanics, President Penalties, and Secret Cards

• Match Duration: Games last 40 minutes, divided into two 20-minute halves, with stoppage time added.
• Ball Start: Play begins with players on their goal lines racing to a ball dropped from a cage above midfield, similar to water polo.
• Opening Phase (First 5 mins): Matches start with one outfield player plus the goalkeeper per team (1v1). Each minute, one more player is added until the teams reach seven-a-side.
• Substitutions: Unlimited substitutions are permitted after the initial five-minute phase.
• 18th Minute – 🎲 The Dice Roll: A special die is rolled from the stands, determining the number of players (one, two, or three, plus goalies) for each team during the last two minutes of the first half.
• Second Half Start: The second half commences as 7v7, again with the ball dropped from the cage.
• Final Minutes (38-40): If the scores are level, all goals scored in this period count as double. If the tie persists after regulation, a golden goal period begins, where the first team to score wins instantly. If still tied, the match is decided by a shootout.

⚽ President`s Penalty: Team presidents have the option to take a penalty kick during specific windows (5-18 mins in first half, 20-38 mins in second half). If not taken within the window, it`s automatically triggered before the double goal/golden goal phase. A nominated substitute player can take the penalty if the president is unavailable.

🃏 Secret Cards: Before the match, each coach randomly draws a secret card. This card can be played in the second half before the 38th minute. The opponent is unaware of the card`s identity until it`s revealed and played, adding a strategic layer.

• Double Goal: All goals scored for four minutes count as two points.
• Player Suspension: The opponent must remove one selected outfield player for 4 minutes.
• Star Player: A chosen player`s first goal is worth two points. The player wears a distinctive armband.
• Shootout: A player attempts to score 1v1 against the goalkeeper from midfield within 5 seconds. If the keeper touches the ball, the attempt fails.
• Joker: Can be used to activate any other secret card or steal the opponent`s card.
• Penalty Kick: Awards the team a standard penalty.

How to Watch the Tournament