Türkiye begin Arizona training with fan backing ahead of 2026 finals
The Crescent-Stars gathered at Arizona Athletic Grounds on June 8 for their inaugural training session in Mesa, drawing vocal support from local fans who gathered to watch Arda Güler and his teammates complete drills under the desert sun as Vincenzo Montella's squad sharpens its final preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kickoff.
The Turkish national football team opened its Arizona training base on June 8 with a spirited session at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, drawing a vocal crowd of local supporters who lined the touchlines to watch Vincenzo Montella's squad. Players including Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, alongside İsmail Yüksek, Demir Ege Tiknaz and Abdülkerim Bardakcı, paused to applaud the fans before commencing drills, according to footage from the session. The Crescent-Stars are using the facility to acclimatize to conditions in the American southwest — a climate zone expected to mirror tournament conditions during the group stage.
World Cup preparations
Türkiye's arrival in Arizona marks a key phase of its buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The squad has relocated to Mesa for a training block designed to simulate the hot, dry climate expected during the group stage matches. Montella, who has led the national team since 2023, is expected to finalize his tactical preparations and trim his roster during the camp ahead of the opening fixtures.
Key figures in attendance
Güler, 21, figures prominently in Montella's plans as the creative fulcrum of a squad blending youth and experience. The Arizona session also features defenders Bardakcı and Tiknaz, with Yüksek providing midfield depth as the coaching staff evaluates fitness levels ahead of the deadline for final squad submissions. Local Turkish community members were visible throughout the stands, waving national flags as players completed their warm-up routines under the desert sun.
Tournament context
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Türkiye is seeking its best performance at the finals since the 2002 tournament, when the squad captured third place. The Crescent-Stars will remain in Arizona for several days before relocating to their tournament base camp.
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