The Moroccan national team is preparing to participate in the 2026 World Cup, and it was announced today that the U.S. state of New Jersey has been selected as the training camp base for the “Atlas Lions.”
Alongside the Moroccan team, Brazil, Senegal, and Haiti will also be based in this state, reflecting the region’s appeal and readiness to host major international teams.
According to informed sources from “The Athletic” newspaper, which confirmed these reports, these teams have already finalized their selections for training centers, with official announcements expected during this week.
This choice confirms New Jersey’s status as a preferred destination during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Moroccan national team will rely on the prestigious Pingry School facilities as their training base, a venue with a rich history of hosting major sports events, having previously hosted training sessions for the Italian national team that reached the 1994 World Cup final.
New Jersey holds special significance in this edition of the World Cup, as the famous MetLife Stadium will host the highly anticipated final match on July 19, 2026, in addition to several group stage matches.
Despite some organizational challenges related to transportation costs between FIFA and the state authorities, the selection of four major international teams to New Jersey highlights its capacity and standing as an international sports hub. The presence of the Moroccan national team in New Jersey also enhances cultural and sporting interaction opportunities in the area.
On her part, the state’s governor, “Mickey Sherrill,” expressed great happiness in hosting these teams, emphasizing that this event represents a historic opportunity to revive the local economy and boost the tourism sector, in addition to welcoming millions of fans and football enthusiasts from around the world.
