African powerhouses Senegal national football team and Morocco national football team have chosen New Jersey as their base for accommodation and training ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two Africa Cup of Nations finalists join Brazil and Haiti in selecting the Garden State as their “home away from home” for the global tournament.
Morocco, semifinalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will be based at Pingry School for their preparations. The venue has historic significance, having previously hosted Italy during the 1994 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions will begin their Group C campaign against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey region. They will then face Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Senegal—appearing at their fourth World Cup—will set up their training camp at Rutgers University.
The Teranga Lions will play two Group I matches at MetLife Stadium, facing France on June 16 and Norway on June 22. They will complete their group stage campaign against Iraq on June 26 at BMO Field in Toronto.
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill welcomed the decision, describing the state’s role in the tournament as a historic opportunity.
“The state is excited to welcome the world. This is a once-in-a-generation event, and we are proud that New Jersey will be at the heart of these celebrations,” she said.
She added: “The state will not only host millions of fans but also four national teams that have chosen our state as their home throughout the tournament.
“We are thrilled that Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, and Senegal have chosen New Jersey to be their home, bringing the World Cup directly to the state’s communities and driving economic activity in the region.”
