Emirates Cup is a first season tournament arranged by UK Premier League club Arsenal. The tournament is hosted at the club’s home arena, Emirates Stadium, and continues for two days. Only clubs who have been invited by Arsenal can compete.
The mini-tournament, which shares its name with the Arsenal arena and main sponsor, is made up of four clubs. Arsenal obviously have a spot, while the other three teams need an invitation. The tournament was launched in 2007, and with the exception of 2012 and 2016, it has been held every summer since then.
Every team plays two matches where they can earn three points with a win and one point for a tie. What sets the tournament apart from other competitions is that teams also score points for every goal they make, which works as an incentive for entertaining plays and a focus on scoring as many goals as possible.
In other words, the tournament goes hand in hand with Arsenal’s profile as a vibrant club known for offensive and engaging plays.
Arsenal have won the tournament four times, while Hamburg SV, Valencia, New York Red Bulls and Galatasaray have taken home one win each.
Arsenal doesn’t invite just anyone to play in the tournament. Fat cat team Paris SG have competed the most times (other than Arsenal, of course), resulting in three tournament spots and two second places.
Other than leading giants like Real Madrid, Juventus, Lyon, Milano, Napoli, Monaco and Celtic, the tournament has also welcomed Glasgow Rangers, Villarreal, Benfica, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray, Valencia, Porto, Boca Juniors and Atlético Madrid.