Brazil, Haiti, Morocco and Senegal choose New Jersey as World Cup 2026 training bases

NEW JERSEY — Four national soccer teams competing in FIFA World Cup 2026 have selected New Jersey as their official training base locations, making the New York-New Jersey region one of the most selected host areas in North America, officials announced Tuesday.

Brazil, Haiti, Morocco and Senegal will each base tournament operations at facilities across New Jersey during the World Cup, according to the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee.

“New Jersey is excited to welcome the world to our state for eight World Cup matches, including the World Cup Final. This is a once-in-a-generation event, and we are proud that New Jersey will be at the very center of the festivities, hosting not only millions of soccer fans but also four national teams that have chosen to make our state their base of operations for the duration of the tournament,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “We are thrilled that Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, and Senegal have decided to call the Garden State home, bringing the World Cup directly to communities across our state and driving economic activity throughout the region. Their decision underscores what we know to be true: New Jersey is a premier destination for world-class events and tourism.”

Officials said the team base camps are expected to generate tourism, hotel stays and economic activity throughout the region while allowing local communities to engage with the tournament outside of match days.

“When teams from four different continents choose New York New Jersey as their home away from home, it reflects the global strength of our region,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “As one of the most diverse regions in the world, these teams will be welcomed to communities that already know and celebrate them, creating an atmosphere of pride and connection throughout the tournament. We look forward to their arrivals, which will drive economic impact and increased tourism while showcasing the diversity, infrastructure, and connectivity that make New York New Jersey ready to host the world.”

Brazil will train at the Columbia Park Training Center in Morris Township, while Haiti selected Stockton University in Galloway Township. Morocco will base operations at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, and Senegal will train at Rutgers University in Piscataway.

Brazil National Team Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the Morris Township facility in a statement released by the Brazilian Football Confederation.

“We are very pleased with this decision. The Training Center is new, modern and offers all the conditions for our work, before and during the World Cup. I want to thank Red Bulls for welcoming us and showing us all the space, which was also sought after by other teams,” Ancelotti said.

Marc de Grandpré, president and general manager of the New York Red Bulls, said Brazil’s selection reflects the quality of the training complex.

“We are proud to welcome the Brazilian National Team to Columbia Park as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” de Grandpré said. “Our Performance Center was built to serve the highest levels of the global game. Brazil’s decision to base here reflects the quality, innovation, and competitive standards embedded in this facility. It will be an honor to support one of the sport’s most iconic teams on football’s biggest stage.”

Stockton University officials said the selection of Haiti continues the school’s history of hosting international soccer teams.

“Stockton University is honored to be selected as a Team Base Camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This recognition affirms the strength of our athletic facilities and the dedication of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where the world’s best athletes can train, learn and feel at home,” Stockton President Joe Bertolino said. “We welcome Haiti to our beautiful campus this summer to participate in the largest sporting event in the world.”

Rutgers University President William F. Tate IV called Senegal’s selection a point of pride for the state and university.

“We are honored to welcome the Senegal National Team to Rutgers University as the team’s official training base for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and to be a part of the world’s largest global sports event,” Tate said. “New Jersey is the number one state in the country for soccer interest, and we’re excited that the state’s flagship university will host these world-class athletes.”

FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature matches across North America, with New Jersey hosting eight matches, including the tournament final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

For more information on New York New Jersey’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ venues and host region planning, visit: https://nynjfwc26.com/venues/.