A replica World Cup soccer ball is seen during a press conference to announce, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey Host Committee. EPA/SARAH YENESEL
Wednesday May 06, 2026. 13:00
African representatives Senegal and Morocco have chosen New Jersey as their ‘base’ for accommodation and training for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Africa Cup of Nations finalists join Brazil and Haiti in choosing the Garden State as their ‘home away from home’ for the upcoming global showpiece.
Morocco, semifinalists at Qatar 2022, will train at Pingry School. The site carries history, having hosted Italy during the 1994 World Cup – the Azzurri ultimately finished as runners-up after a penalty shootout defeat to Brazil in the final.
The Atlas Lions open their Group C campaign against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, before facing Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Their final group match comes on June 24 against Haiti at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Senegal, appearing at their fourth World Cup, will use Rutgers University as their training base. The Teranga Lions will play two Group I matches at MetLife Stadium, against France on June 16 and Norway on June 22. On 26 June they will complete their group stage campaign against Iraq at the BMO Field in Toronto.
“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,” said New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill.
She continued: “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.”