The FIFA Confederations Cup was an international football tournament for national teams, held every four years as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup. It featured the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup holder and the host nation of the upcoming World Cup. Serving as a major test event for the host country's infrastructure, the tournament offered a prestigious title and a chance for teams to gauge their strength against other continental champions. The format consisted of two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout semi-finals and final. While it showcased high-quality football and produced memorable matches, the tournament was discontinued after the 2017 edition, with its role largely absorbed by the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Nations League.