Beginning on July 18, the exhibition matches feature top-flight European teams such as Liverpool, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus alongside US teams like Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy and DC United.

And Houston winger Brad Davis said the highly charged atmosphere the visiting goliaths inspire is what makes playing against them so special.

"I think it's huge," Davis said. "I think we've seen that in the past with teams that have come over before for the Football Challenge.

"Games are so loud, I think it really has brought a lot of attention to the sport in the US.

"As you can see in the past few years, the sport has grown tremendously and hopefully it keeps going in the right direction."

DC United playmaker Dwayne De Rosario agrees with Davis, and is relishing the prospect of the big matches.

"I think that any time you have the opportunity to play against world powers like that, and we played against PSG, it's a testament to the league and it shows how much it has developed over a short course of time," De Rosario said.

"Those teams don't just play anyone. To have the privilege to play against a team like PSG and also against Chelsea, it's an opportunity for all of us to promote the talent of this league and showcase our talents across the world."

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner said the passion football inspires is unique to the game.

"I don't think you get that (atmosphere) anywhere better than in a game of soccer," Warner said.

"It's pretty incredible to watch these people come out, hundreds of thousands, to support their teams so I think it is going to be incredible for our country, it's going to be incredible to have those opportunities."

The challenge is in its third year, with Chelsea winning the first instalment and Real Madrid taking out the second.

The first match takes place at the CenturyLink Field where hosts Seattle Sounders will play Chelsea.