Mesa, Arizona is stepping onto the global stage as the official training home for the Turkiye Men's National Team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the tournament itself won't be played in the Phoenix metro area, the Valley city is rolling out the welcome mat for one of the 48 competing nations.
The Arizona Athletic Grounds, in partnership with Visit Mesa and the City of Mesa, will host Turkiye's closed training sessions throughout the group stage and beyond. This marks the team's third World Cup appearance and their first since 2002—a return that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
Turkiye opens their campaign on June 13 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, against Australia. They'll face tough competition in Group D, which also includes the United States and Paraguay. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, every match counts, and Turkiye is leaving nothing to chance by choosing Arizona's top-tier facilities for their preparation.
"Our Team Base Camp selection speaks to the quality of our facilities and the collaborative efforts that make opportunities like this possible," said David Hayes, Director of Fields at Arizona Athletic Grounds. "We are honored to host Turkiye and proud to work alongside Visit Mesa and the City of Mesa to showcase our community on the global stage."
Fans won't want to miss the Community Day on Monday, June 8, at Arizona Athletic Grounds. This open event offers a chance to watch an active training session on the stadium field, grab autographs and photos with players, and enjoy live music, entertainment, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. It's a rare opportunity to get up close with international soccer stars.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, and Arizona is becoming a key destination for teams seeking ideal training conditions. In addition to Mesa, the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson will host Iran's national team—though visa issues for Iranian players remain unresolved.
Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just love the energy of world-class sports, Mesa is the place to be this summer. Gear up for the action and show your support for the beautiful game!