Over the course of 15 days, eight national teams will compete for bragging rights ahead of next year's Samba spectacle. A bevy of talent plying their trade in the Premier League will bless Brazil's newly-minted football cathedrals during pool play and knockout games. With this in mind, it is worthwhile to highlight some of the players who figure to be key contributors both for their country in the Cup and for fantasy owners in anticipation of the new EPL season.
GROUP A
Brazil
Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers) Cesar will man the goal for Brazil. The 38-year-old was hardly the reason for QPR's recent relegation, posting five clean sheets and averaging over four saves in 24 starts this season. Given Brazil's ability to dominate possession, the reliable Cesar shouldn't be thrown into the action too often, but a strong performance could earn him a transfer to a more talented Premier League club for next season.
David Luiz (Chelsea) Luiz is a prototypical Brazilian defender with technical ability that few attackers from other countries can match. His six goals and three assists in all competitions for Chelsea this season serve as evidence of his offensive capabilities, which comes as a bonus in fantasy, where defenders otherwise earn points mostly through clean sheets.
Oscar (Chelsea) During his first Premiership season, the 21-year-old posted a decent four goals and five assists in 34 appearances. He figures to start alongside fellow highly-creative players in Brazil's attack, so opportunities to impress fantasy owners should be abound.
Japan
Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United) Fresh off his debut season in England, where he tallied six goals and three assists in only 20 appearances, Kagawa will spearhead Japan's front-line. His country will rely heavily on his quality to propel them out of pool play.
Mexico
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) Hernandez, who affectionately is referred to as "Chicharito" by United and Mexico supporters, will be the focal point of El Tri's attack. In 22 EPL appearances this season, the Mexican scored 10 goals and dished out three assists. He will have to be similarly productive to help his country's chances.
Italy
No current EPL players on squad
GROUP B
Spain
Fernando Torres (Chelsea) Torres, who has scored 31 times in 101 appearances for his country, figures to see time as Spain's sole striker. He was inconsistent for Chelsea this season, but should have numerous scoring opportunities thanks to the wealth of talent around him.
Juan Mata (Chelsea) Mata would start for virtually any other national team; however, Spain's amazing combination of top quality and depth will likely limit his involvement. The little lefty tallied 16 goals and 20 assists in all competitions this season for Chelsea.
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) Another unfortunate victim of the defending World Champions' dream-like roster, Cazorla will have to make his Cup impact in fewer minutes than he is accustomed to playing for Arsenal, where he slotted home 12 goals and provided 11 assists in his first Premier League season this year.
Other players to watch: Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ignacio Monreal (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City), Jesus Navas (Manchester City)
Uruguay
Luis Suarez (Liverpool) After a 10 game suspension ended his Premier League season prematurely, Suarez will no doubt be hungry to prove his worth with Uruguay. Unlike his composure, Suarez's skill is unquestioned and the striker finished second in the Premier League with 23 goals this season.
Sebastian Coates (Liverpool) Along with Suarez, Coates will be representing both Liverpool and Uruguay at the Confederations Cup. The 22-year-old only featured five times in the Premier League this campaign, but figures to start in the middle of Uruguay's defense, potentially giving him a platform to display his ability to fantasy owners.
Other Premier League players: Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)
Nigeria
Victor Moses (Chelsea) Though he represented England's national team at earlier ages, the 22-year-old Moses opted to play at the senior level for his birth-country Nigeria. The attacking player didn't have much impact after moving to Chelsea last summer, but likely will be one of Nigeria's more effective players given his experience playing against top competition.
Other Premier League players: John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)
Tahiti
No current EPL players on squad
