Presented by Kemper Auto Insurance
What a summer it was for the United States to host the FIFA World Cup, and what a memorable chapter it became for soccer in Southern Arizona.
In partnership with Pima County, the City of Tucson, Visit Tucson, Kino Sports Complex, and countless other community partners, FC Tucson nearly had the opportunity to welcome the Iranian National Team to its home facilities. Although Iran ultimately set up it’s base camp in another location, it was a privilege to have FC Tucson’s home complex regarded so highly by FIFA and to have the possibility of including Tucson in the World Cup experience.
Preparing for Iran’s expected arrival required FC Tucson to temporarily relocate its operations from the Kino North Clubhouse to the Event Center at Kino Sports Complex. Matches were also moved from Kino North Stadium to the Kino North Grandstand, a massive undertaking for the entire club.
From the coaches and players representing our Men’s, Women’s, and Academy teams to our front-office and seasonal staff, everyone did a tremendous job adapting to the changing circumstances. When Iran confirmed its base camp elsewhere, our teams and staff once again adjusted quickly and returned to their usual facilities.
With the club back at Kino North Stadium, the focus shifted fully to making the most of our home-field advantage. The FC Tucson Men entered the summer having gone undefeated at home since June 2024, while the FC Tucson Women continued a remarkable run of winning home records since they first started playing competitively over a decade ago.
But FC Tucson’s role in the Summer of Soccer extended well beyond the pitch.
Throughout the tournament, FC Tucson hosted and joined local organizations for World Cup watch parties across the community. FC Tucson worked with numerous Tucson bars and restaurants, including Corbett’s, Playground, Zerai’s, The Monica, and others to create welcoming environments where fans could gather for matches featuring the United States, Mexico, and teams from around the world.
These celebrations were made possible with support from valued partners such as Kemper Auto, Vantage West Credit Union, and Surfside Beverages. Together, we helped bring Southern Arizona’s soccer community closer to the world’s biggest sporting event.
It was both a privilege and an honor for FC Tucson to represent soccer in Southern Arizona, on the field, at watch parties, and throughout the community during a historic year in which the United States hosted the World Cup.
FC Tucson extends its sincere thanks to our players, coaches, staff, partners, supporters, and everyone who shares our love for the beautiful game. Most of all, thank you for your continued passion and dedication to growing the game here in Southern Arizona.
The summer of 2026 belonged to soccer, and Tucson was proud to be part of it.
