Youssef Amrani, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, paid a visit to the national team’s base camp at Pingry School as preparations ramp up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The visit followed an official announcement by authorities in New Jersey confirming the facility as the operational headquarters for the Morocco national football team during the tournament. The unveiling ceremony brought together key figures, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and Ambassador Amrani, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Governor Sherrill confirmed that the Atlas Lions have selected New Jersey as their training hub, with Pingry School in Basking Ridge set to serve as the team’s primary preparation centre throughout the competition. The venue carries historical significance, having previously hosted Italy national football team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they went on to reach the final.
Positioned on the East Coast, New Jersey offers convenient access to major venues, including MetLife Stadium, which will stage multiple matches as well as the tournament final on July 19. The state is also set to host fixtures involving Morocco’s Group C opponents, including Brazil national football team and Haiti national football team, alongside Senegal national football team from another group.
During his visit, Amrani expressed gratitude to Governor Sherrill for the efforts made to provide top-level conditions for the Moroccan team, praising the environment created to support both preparation and performance. In response, the governor underlined the deeper historical context of Morocco’s presence in the state, noting the longstanding ties between the two nations.
She pointed out that Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States, adding that hosting the Atlas Lions during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations carries symbolic weight and reflects a strong and enduring partnership.
Sherrill also highlighted New Jersey’s large Moroccan community as a key factor in the decision, suggesting that the team will enjoy a strong sense of support throughout the tournament, with atmospheres expected to echo those back home.
As Morocco builds on its historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the ambassador’s visit underscores not only the team’s readiness but also the strengthening bond between Morocco and its American hosts ahead of football’s biggest global stage.
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