Real Madrid star Beckham is set to join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer in July under a groundbreaking 250 million-dollar deal and a July 21 match between the Galaxy and Premiership power Chelsea might mark his debut.

That showdown will be part of the new World Series of Football, which will include the Galaxy, Chelsea, Mexico's Tigres and Korea's Suwon club, whose main sponsor is also a major backer of Chelsea.

This will mark the fourth year in a row that Chelsea have made a pre-season US tour, but the World Series of Football marks the first venture in a year-old alliance between Chelsea and Galaxy financiers Anschutz Entertainment Group.

Doubleheaders at the Galaxy's home stadium will send Chelsea against the Bluewings and Galaxy against Tigres on July 17 and Chelsea against the Galaxy with the Tigres against Suwon on July 21.

Chelsea also have planned a July 14 tune-up match at another California venue against an unannounced opponent.

Beckham will have a chance to show his skills to current England and Chelsea skipper John Terry as well as England internationals Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Chelsea coach and manager Jose Mourinho sent a video message wishing Beckham the best of luck in his American adventure.

"The fact that David Beckham is there brings something extra to the tournament and to the game," he said.

"This gives me the chance to wish him big success in the US. He will be very important for US soccer and for the relationship between US soccer and European soccer."

Chelsea also plan to take part in future World Series tournaments in 2009 and 2011.

Chelsea and the Galaxy have also established a relationship expected to include exchanges on young players and Chelsea taking part in youth activities in Los Angeles.

Rather than a true round-robin with three matches for each club, tiebreakers of goal difference and goals scored will be used to determine a World Series champion after the four matches.