Morocco’s Ambassador to the US tours Atlas Lions’ future World Cup base in New Jersey

Morocco’s ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, visited the future base camp of the Atlas Lions in New Jersey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the kingdom’s official decision to select the Pingry School in Basking Ridge as the national team’s training site during the tournament.

During the visit, Amrani toured the facility alongside New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Alex Lasry, director of the New York/New Jersey World Cup Host Committee, reads a press release by the Moroccan Embassy in the US. The ambassador said the choice would anchor the team’s preparations «within a fully mobilized institutional and territorial environment» ahead of the tournament, while also opening prospects for stronger cooperation between Morocco and New Jersey in sports, industry, and technological innovation.

At a joint press conference, Amrani described New Jersey as a «strategic and industrial stronghold» offering promising opportunities for Morocco and its private sector. He also highlighted football as «a bridge between societies» and praised the role of the Mohammed VI Football Academy and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in supporting the national team’s pursuit of excellence.

Wearing the Moroccan national team jersey, Governor Sherrill welcomed the Atlas Lions and Moroccan supporters expected to travel in large numbers for Morocco’s opening match against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium. She reaffirmed the historic ties between Morocco and the United States, noting that more than 10,000 Moroccans live in New Jersey, and stressed football’s role in fostering dialogue and international outreach.

Located about an hour from New York City, the site in Basking Ridge will serve as Morocco’s training base during the competition as the national team prepares for its Group C matches against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.