Turkey’s national men’s soccer team is planning to train in the Valley ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing international attention to the city of Mesa as the tournament approaches.

According to reports, the team is expected to establish its training camp at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. With the World Cup set to begin on June 11, 2026, across multiple cities in North America, the East Valley will serve as a temporary home base for the Turkish squad as they prepare for competition.

The announcement has generated excitement within the local Turkish community, particularly among residents who have ties to the country. One Tempe-based family originally from Istanbul expressed how meaningful it is to have their national team training so close to home, calling it a rare and special opportunity to connect with their roots.

For many fans, the proximity of the training site creates the possibility of attending practices and following the team more closely during their stay. Some also hope to attend World Cup matches, including a highly anticipated game against the United States scheduled for late June.

Turkey’s presence in Mesa marks a significant moment for the city, as it becomes a destination for international athletes and supporters during one of the world’s largest sporting events. The team’s return to the World Cup stage is also notable, as its last appearance in the tournament came in 2002, when Turkey finished in third place.

Overall, the training camp is expected to bring both cultural and economic impact to the area, with fans, visitors, and global attention centered on Mesa as Turkey prepares for its World Cup matches on the West Coast.

Source: ABC15 Arizona