Morocco choses New Jersey as hub for 2026 World Cup

Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, continued his tour across several U.S. states with a strategic stop in New York and New Jersey- a visit coinciding with Morocco’s official selection of The New Jersey Pingry School as the base camp for the “Atlas Lions” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Located in the town of Basking Ridge, this training facility – which has, over the years, become a premier destination for national teams and major clubs, namely European ones – is situated approximately one hour’s drive from New York City.

This pivotal choice is part of a broader dynamic aimed at strengthening the Moroccan-American partnership – a process that combines cooperation with top-level local authorities, institutional coordination, and sports diplomacy in the lead-up to this global tournament, Ambassador Amrani explained during his visit.

Accordingly, the Ambassador was welcomed at the future training camp of the Atlas Lions by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill for a tour of the facilities and an extended political discussion regarding the prospects for cooperation between Morocco and this East Coast state.

The meeting was also attended by Alex Lasry, Director of the World Cup Host Committee for New York and New Jersey.

The meeting was highly significant, serving to “anchor the national team’s preparations within an institutional and local environment fully mobilized to support Morocco’s participation under the best possible conditions,” the Ambassador emphasized.

He further noted that these discussions revealed a heightened ambition to expand cooperative horizons, aiming to better identify and deepen promising synergies between Morocco and New Jersey across key sectors- specifically sports, but also industry and technological innovation.

“New Jersey is a strategic and industrial stronghold offering opportunities- not only interesting ones but also actionable ones- that Morocco and its private sector operators are keen to explore even further and with great care,” asserted Mr. Amrani during a joint press conference with the state’s Governor.

Highlighting the importance of football as a “moment of connection” extending far beyond the 90 minutes of play, the diplomat noted that the sport also serves as “a bridge between societies- an open window onto what is possible”.

“Morocco has expanded this realm of possibility thanks to the Vision of His Majesty the King and through the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which prioritizes excellence and views youth as an opportunity,” the diplomat recalled.

He added that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is diligently supporting this elevated standard of excellence, putting in place the necessary tools and environments to ensure success for the Atlas Lions and the Kingdom’s entire footballing ecosystem.

Furthermore, he observed that the passion of Moroccan fans in the United States would, for its part, infuse a unique energy into a relationship “that has caused Moroccan and American hearts to beat in unison for nearly 250 years”.

Echoing these sentiments, the Governor of New Jersey expressed her ambition to foster a structured elevation of decentralized cooperation with Morocco.

Wearing the national team jersey, Ms. Sherrill welcomed the Kingdom’s national squad as well as its fans- who are expected to turn out in large numbers on June 13th to watch the opening match against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) – while reaffirming the strength of the centuries-old ties uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.

Furthermore, the Governor highlighted the unifying role of football as a vehicle for fostering closer ties, dialogue, and mutual international prominence, noting that more than 10,000 Moroccans reside in New Jersey.

Moreover, the World Cup will provide an opportunity for many Moroccans to come and see firsthand the opportunities offered by the state, while fervently cheering on the Atlas Lions during the match – “undoubtedly the most-watched of the first round”- in which they will face the Brazilian national team, she stated.

In this regard, she emphasized the mobilization of all the state’s key stakeholders to ensure a high-caliber, secure, and thrilling World Cup experience for all the Moroccan supporters making the trip.

Earlier in the day, the Ambassador took a guided tour of the New York/New Jersey stadium (MetLife) and all its associated infrastructure.

On Monday in New York, Mr. Amrani also held talks with the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Ana María Archila. The discussions focused on various areas of cooperation, particularly the historic friendship between Morocco and the United States, in addition to the specific measures implemented by New York City to welcome fans from around the world during the World Cup.

On this occasion, the senior New York City official expressed her “eagerness” to see Morocco’s colors proudly displayed in the streets of New York during this grand celebration of football.

The Atlas Lions will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. In addition to the stadium in New York/New Jersey, the national squad will play their second and third group-stage matches in the stadiums of Boston and Atlanta, respectively.