Turkey Men's National Team to Train in Mesa, Arizona for 2026 World Cup

The Turkey Men's National Football Team has selected the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona, as its official training base for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This arrangement, facilitated by a collaboration between the venue, Visit Mesa, and the City of Mesa, will host closed training sessions throughout the tournament's group stage and beyond. Turkey, making its first World Cup appearance since 2002, is drawn in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia. Their opening match is scheduled for June 13 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, against Australia. To engage the local community, a public Community Day is planned for June 8, offering fans opportunities to watch training, meet players, and enjoy entertainment. The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins on June 11, featuring 48 nations. Additionally, the article notes that the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson will serve as the training home for the Iranian national team, although visa issues for Iran remain unresolved. This development highlights Arizona's role in supporting international teams despite not hosting actual matches in the Phoenix metro area.