Türkiye national team lands in US ahead of World Cup
The Turkish national football team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to begin final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ambassador Sedat Onal and Consul General Resul Sahinol greeting the squad in Florida ahead of a warm-up friendly against Venezuela.
Türkiye's national football team touched down at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Tuesday as the squad commenced its pre-tournament preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ambassador Sedat Onal and Consul General Resul Sahinol greeting the players upon arrival in the state.
The delegation received an official welcome from Türkiye's senior diplomatic representatives before proceeding to its tournament headquarters. Unlike its Group D rivals, the squad has selected a training facility in Mesa, Arizona — a compound featuring 24 multipurpose grounds where the team will acclimate ahead of competitive action.
Warm-up and group stage
The national side will face Venezuela in an international friendly at Inter Miami CF Stadium on June 6, using the match to finalise tactical preparations before the tournament begins. Following the warm-up fixture, Türkiye will open its World Cup account against Australia on June 13, with subsequent matches against Paraguay on June 20 and the United States on June 26.
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The tournament draw placed the Crescent-Stars in Group D alongside the three opponents, setting up a closing pool fixture against the host nation in the final group stage encounter.
Tournament expansion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada — will expand to feature 48 nations competing between June 11 and July 19. The national roster is expected to blend experienced veterans such as captain Hakan Calhanoglu with emerging talents including Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
Football's premier tournament will mark the first time three nations have shared hosting duties, with matches scheduled across North America throughout the five-week competition period.
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