Moroccan National Team to Train at The Pingry School in New Jersey
The Moroccan Men's National Soccer Team has officially selected The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, as their base camp for training during the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. This historic decision marks an exciting chapter for both the team and the state, as they prepare to engage in one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.
Covering an impressive area of over 120 hectares, The Pingry School has a storied legacy, having previously served as the training base for the Italian national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was exclusively hosted by the United States. The facility is not only renowned for its history but has also been utilized by top-tier clubs such as Paris St-Germain, AC Milan, and Juventus during their pre-season training schedules.
Recently renovated in preparation for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, The Pingry School now boasts two FIFA-standard pitches along with a state-of-the-art athletics center, ensuring that Morocco has access to top-notch facilities throughout their stay at the tournament. In addition to their training sessions, the team will be accommodated at The Somerset Hills Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located just a short five-minute drive from their training ground.
Excitement Builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Morocco joins an impressive roster of nations, including Senegal, Brazil, and Haiti, that have confirmed their training base camps in New Jersey for the summer tournament. Expressing his excitement, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill stated, "New Jersey is thrilled to welcome Morocco — and the rest of the world — to our state for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With nearly 10,000 residents of Moroccan descent, we are especially honored that Team Morocco has chosen our state as their home away from home this summer. This decision is a true testament to New Jersey's pivotal role in the World Cup, and we are eager to showcase our vibrant state on the global stage and create unforgettable memories for both residents and visitors alike."
The Moroccan team, led by newly appointed coach Mohamed Ouahbi, is set to kick off their Group G campaign in New York, New Jersey, with a match against Brazil on June 13. Following this, they will travel to Boston for a game against Scotland on June 19, before concluding their group stage with a face-off against Haiti in Atlanta on June 24. Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals in a Men's FIFA World Cup, ultimately finishing in fourth place.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams participating, commencing with a match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City, and concluding with the final on July 19 in New York, New Jersey. For those interested in keeping up with the latest developments in the sports-event industry, subscribing to the weekly SportsTravel newsletter is highly recommended.
As reported by sportstravelmagazine.com.
