Morocco has taken a major step in its build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup by officially establishing its training base in the United States, with New Jersey confirmed as the home of the Atlas Lions during the tournament.
The announcement, made in Basking Ridge, saw New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill alongside Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, unveil The Pingry School as Morocco’s permanent base camp.
The choice of Pingry is a strategic move by the North African side to secure top-level preparation conditions ahead of the expanded global tournament.
The facility, which previously served as a training site during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, has been extensively upgraded, with renovations completed in 2025. It now boasts two international-standard grass pitches and a modern athletics centre tailored to elite performance.
Morocco’s decision comes as the team gears up for a high-profile opening fixture against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium. This is one of the key venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond logistics, the selection carries cultural and symbolic weight. Governor Sherrill highlighted New Jersey’s sizeable Moroccan community, estimated at nearly 10,000 residents, as a crucial factor, describing the state as a “home away from home” for the Atlas Lions.
Historically, the Kingdom of Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States after the American continent-sized nation’s independence 250 years ago.
Morocco has taken a major step in its build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup by officially establishing its training base in the United States, with New Jersey confirmed as the home of the Atlas Lions during the tournament.
The announcement, made in Basking Ridge, saw New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill alongside Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, unveil The Pingry School as Morocco’s permanent base camp.
The choice of Pingry is a strategic move by the North African side to secure top-level preparation conditions ahead of the expanded global tournament.
The facility, which previously served as a training site during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, has been extensively upgraded, with renovations completed in 2025. It now boasts two international-standard grass pitches and a modern athletics centre tailored to elite performance.
Morocco’s decision comes as the team gears up for a high-profile opening fixture against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium. This is one of the key venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond logistics, the selection carries cultural and symbolic weight. Governor Sherrill highlighted New Jersey’s sizeable Moroccan community, estimated at nearly 10,000 residents, as a crucial factor, describing the state as a “home away from home” for the Atlas Lions.
Historically, the Kingdom of Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States after the American continent-sized nation’s independence 250 years ago.
Morocco’s Camp Base at The Pingry School in New Jersey
In the lead-up to the decision of picking the Moroccan camp base, Ambassador Amrani undertook a detailed inspection of facilities and held high-level consultations with officials from New York City’s Mayor’s Office.
Discussions focused on coordinating security arrangements, managing media operations, and ensuring smooth hospitality services for the Moroccan delegation during the tournament.
Amrani praised the collaboration between Moroccan and U.S. authorities, noting football’s unique ability to strengthen international ties and cultural exchange.
With several other nations also eyeing New Jersey as a base, Morocco’s early move underscores its intent to gain a competitive edge by combining world-class infrastructure with strong diaspora support as it prepares for another global campaign.