New Jersey will host the base camp of the Morocco national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Tuesday during a joint press conference with Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani.
“New Jersey is thrilled to welcome Morocco, and the rest of the world, for the 2026 World Cup,” Sherrill said, referring to the tournament that will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Moroccan national team, known as the “Atlas Lions,” will establish its training base at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, around an hour from New York City. Morocco will compete in Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team, and Haiti national football team.
Sherrill described the decision as an honor for the state and highlighted the enthusiasm of the Moroccan community living in New Jersey. “We are particularly honored” that Morocco chose the state as its “home away from home” during the tournament, she said before journalists and young athletes attending the event.
Founded in 1861, The Pingry School previously hosted the Italy national football team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Its “Miller Bugliari ’52 World Cup Field” has also welcomed training sessions for major European clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus FC, Manchester United F.C., and Liverpool F.C..
The facility underwent renovations in 2025 and now includes two international-standard grass pitches, upgraded amenities, and a high-performance sports center designed for elite-level preparation.
According to Governor Sherrill, Morocco’s selection of New Jersey reflects the quality of the state’s sports infrastructure ahead of the global football tournament. She added that Brazil national football team, Haiti national football team, and Senegal national football team have also chosen New Jersey for their World Cup base camps.
The governor also pointed to the longstanding ties between Morocco and the United States, recalling that Morocco was the first country to recognize American independence. She noted that both nations are preparing to mark the 250th anniversary of their historic friendship and strategic alliance later this year.
