Staff Writer 
MOROCCO has chosen the American state of New Jersey as its base camp as they aim to add more glory to its Africa Cup of Nations crown at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 finals, which kick off in July.
Establishing their base at one of the tournament’s most sought-after training centres sets the stage for what promises to be another historic global campaign for the Atlas Lions.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists will prepare at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge. The venue carries deep World Cup heritage, having hosted teams during the 1994 tournament, adding a layer of symbolism to Morocco’s return to a proven footballing base.
As the Atlas Lions prepare for their seventh World Cup appearance, returning to a base with tradition adds symbolic weight to their quest to outshine their 2022 heroics in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza.
Morocco’s group-stage journey will unfold entirely in the United States in what promises to be a thrilling football feast for fans of the beautiful game around the globe. 2026 will see a number of firsts, as three nations – Canada, Mexico and the USA – will co-host, and a record 48 teams will take part.
The Atlas Lions open their campaign against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium, before facing Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium. Their final group clash is set for June 24 against Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Choosing New Jersey keeps Morocco close to their opening venue and within easy travel distance along the East Coast, offering logistical continuity throughout the group stage.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed excitement at hosting the African Champions. “New Jersey is thrilled to welcome Morocco – and the rest of the world – to our state for the FIFA World Cup 2026. We are especially honoured that Team Morocco has decided to make our state its home away from home.”
Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Youssef Amrani added that he was pleased to have secured New Jersey, which is one of the most in-demand training hubs for the World Cup.
“My deepest gratitude goes to the State of New Jersey and The Pingry School for their exceptional hospitality. Football possesses a unique power to unite nations, and we look forward to fostering enduring bonds throughout this journey,” he said.
Morocco will not be alone in New Jersey. Senegal, the side they beat to become African champions, will also set up base at Rutgers University, underlining a strong African presence in the state. The Teranga Lions are scheduled to face France and Norway in their group fixtures, including matches at MetLife Stadium.
Meanwhile, Brazil will train at the Columbia Park Training Centre in Morris Township, while Haiti will prepare at Stockton University, turning New Jersey into one of the tournament’s busiest and most diverse football hubs.
With four national teams, including two of Africa’s finest, converging on the state, and the World Cup final also set for MetLife Stadium, New Jersey is poised to become a crucial stage for global football.
