Mesa is set to gain international attention after Arizona Athletic Grounds was selected as the official training base for Turkey’s men’s national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement places Mesa in the global spotlight ahead of one of the world’s biggest sporting events and marks another major milestone for the growing sports complex in the East Valley.
According to the report published by the Phoenix Business Journal, Turkey’s national team plans to use Arizona Athletic Grounds as its home base while competing in the tournament across North America.
Turkey’s National Team To Train in Mesa
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches scheduled in multiple cities throughout North America.
During the tournament, Turkey’s national team is expected to stay and practice in Mesa when not traveling for matches.
Arizona Athletic Grounds, formerly known as Legacy Sports Park, features an extensive sports campus with multiple grass and turf soccer fields, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and training facilities designed to host elite athletic events.
The facility’s official website highlights its role as one of the largest youth and amateur sports destinations in the country.
Mesa Leaders Say the Selection Brings Global Visibility
Mesa officials say the selection represents a major opportunity for the city to showcase itself on an international stage.
In statements shared through local reporting, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman expressed pride that the city was chosen as a training location for a World Cup team.
Visit Mesa President and CEO Marc Garcia also noted that having an international team choose Mesa as its base sends a strong message about the city’s sports infrastructure and tourism appeal.
Visit Mesa has continued expanding its sports tourism initiatives in recent years as the city positions itself as a destination for large-scale athletic events and tournaments.
Arizona Athletic Grounds Continues Expanding Its Profile
Arizona Athletic Grounds has rapidly become one of the premier sports facilities in Arizona since opening in Mesa.
The massive complex hosts soccer tournaments, youth sporting events, baseball, volleyball, and other competitions throughout the year.
The facility is also located near several major East Valley attractions, hotels, and spring training venues, helping strengthen Mesa’s appeal for traveling teams and visitors.
Additional details about FIFA World Cup training site preparations and team base camps can be found through FIFA’s official tournament resources.
International Exposure Could Benefit Mesa Economy
Large international sporting events often bring increased tourism activity, hotel bookings, restaurant traffic, and global media attention to host communities.
Local leaders believe Turkey’s presence in Mesa during the tournament could provide valuable economic benefits while further elevating the city’s growing reputation in the sports tourism industry.
The selection also reflects the increasing role Arizona is playing in attracting major sporting events and international teams.
Bottom Line
Mesa will soon become part of the global FIFA World Cup experience as Arizona Athletic Grounds prepares to host Turkey’s national soccer team during the 2026 tournament.
City leaders and tourism officials see the opportunity as both an economic win and a chance to showcase Mesa to an international audience.
