SOME of world football’s biggest names are heading to the North-East after a mouthwatering draw for the Olympic tournament handed the region some dream teams.

World champions Spain, perennial entertainers Brazil and South American maestros Mexico will all play at St James’ Park, Newcastle, this summer.

And David Beckham and his teammates could also be in the region as part of the Team GB squad’s preparations for the tournament.

Rockliffe Hall, at Hurworth, near Darlington, is rumoured to be the team’s base ahead of a planned warm-up match against Brazil at Middlesbrough on July 25.

St James’ Park will host six men’s and three women’s games during the tournament, starting with back-toback games on July 26 when seeded Mexico play South Korea and Gabon face Switzerland.

Spain v Honduras and Japan v Morocco are on July 29 and Brazil play New Zealand on August 1. St James’ Park will also host a quarter-final on August 4.

In the women’s tournament, Newcastle will host Canada v Sweden and France v Colombia – both on July 31.

A quarter-final will be held on August 3.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, which promotes the region, said: “A major international tournament of this kind means the destination will attract both positive profile and additional visitors from right across the UK and farther afield.

“Those visiting, or watching the matches on TV or online will undoubtedly get a flavour of our great destination and our legendary love of football.

“As one of only nine Olympic host cities, this summer’s events will help put us firmly on the map.”

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: “The North-East has a proud tradition of passionate support for football, and we have no doubt that all our visiting teams will be given a very warm welcome.”

The GB squad are expected use Middlesbrough FC’s training facilities at Rockliffe during their stay. The squad will feature players aged under-23, but coach Stuart Pearce is allowed to select three over-age players, with Beckham one of those in contention.

Details of the friendly game have yet to be confirmed, but could also feature GB’s women’s team against Sweden.

Rockliffe could also be a training camp for one of the overseas squads playing at St James’ Park.

A spokesman said it would be a “good boost for the North-East” but declined to comment further.

Tickets for the St James’ Park games are likely to be on sale next month. For details, visit london2012.com