Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, has selected New Jersey as its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision was announced by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on May 5, 2026, during a press conference at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Governor Sherrill stated, 'We are thrilled to welcome the Moroccan national team to New Jersey. This is a testament to our state's world-class facilities and diverse community.' The camp will be located at a training facility in Morris County, though specific details remain under negotiation.
Morocco, which made history by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will be one of 48 teams competing in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team's group stage matches are scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium, which will also host the final.
This marks the first time Morocco has chosen a U.S. base for a World Cup, reflecting the growing ties between the kingdom and the New Jersey region, home to a significant Moroccan diaspora.
