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The basics:

• Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, Senegal select New Jersey World Cup base camps
• Rutgers, Pingry, Stockton, Red Bulls facilities to host teams
• Base camps expected to boost tourism, hotels, local business
• New Jersey will host eight World Cup matches, including the final

What was widely reported in recent weeks became official Tuesday, as the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee formally announced four team base camps coming to New Jersey during the summer tournament. The roster of Brazil, Haiti, Morocco and Senegal gives the state one of the largest concentrations of training sites in North America.

The May 19 announcement further cements New Jersey’s central role in the event — beyond the eight matches scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which include the World Cup Final.

Officials say they expect the base camps to generate tourism, hotel stays, local business activity and international exposure for communities. They expect to bring players, coaches, staff and media operations for extended stays during the tournament.

“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,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “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 event and tourism.”

Sign of Jersey strength

FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said the selections reflect both the region’s strengths.

“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 Lasry. “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.”

The formal announcement comes as New Jersey’s World Cup preparations continue to accelerate ahead of kickoff. Municipalities, universities, tourism groups, private operators as well as other key stakeholders are busy ramping up activity. That includes fan festivals, hospitality activations and transportation planning statewide.

The four officially announced New Jersey team base camps include:

Haiti — Stockton University, Galloway

Haiti selected Stockton University as its base camp, extending World Cup activity into South Jersey.

The university previously hosted Brazilian club Flamengo during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. It is one of the few locations nationally to have served as a FIFA training site across multiple tournaments. The space boasts a 1,500-seat stadium with a grass pitch. It also features a multipurpose sports center with training facilities, fitness areas and meeting spaces.

“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,” said Stockton University President Joe Bertolino. “We welcome Haiti to our beautiful campus this summer to participate in the largest sporting event in the world.”

Jeff Haines is associate director of athletics and recreation at Stockton University. He added, “We’re extremely excited, grateful and honored that Stockton University has been selected by the Haitian National Team for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Team Base Camp.”

Brazil — Columbia Park Training Center, Morris Township

As NJBIZ previously reported, Brazil will train at the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center. The venue will go by Columbia Park Training Center during the tournament.

The newly built, elite soccer complex features two natural grass pitches and modern team facilities.

Brazil will play at MetLife Stadium June 13 against fellow Jersey base campers, Morocco. The meeting represents one of the marquee group stage matchups of the tournament.

“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,” said Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil’s national team.

“We are proud to welcome the Brazilian National Team to Columbia Park as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” said Marc de Grandpré, president and general manager of the New York Red Bulls. “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.
—Marc de Grandpré, president and general manager, New York Red Bulls

“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.”

Morocco — The Pingry School, Basking Ridge

As announced May 5, Morocco will train at The Pingry School. The Somerset County campus also served as a World Cup training site during the 1994 tournament.

The school recently renovated its Miller Bugliari ’52 World Cup Field and other sites. The work included creating international-standard grass pitches and upgrading training amenities.

What’s it take to be a World Cup base camp?

NJBIZ recently spoke with Bohler about its work to upgrade facilities and help The Pingry School score Team Morocco.

“We are excited to be able to support a team competing at the highest level,” said Tim Lear, head of school, The Pingry School. “And we’re proud that our facilities can provide an environment that meets their needs.”

Senegal — Rutgers University, Piscataway

Senegal selected Rutgers University as its training base. The team will utilize the Miller Practice Fields and athletic facilities.

The team will play two matches (June 16 and 22) at MetLife Stadium during group stage competition.

“Selecting New York New Jersey as our base reflects the high standards we look for in preparing for a tournament of this magnitude,” said Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation. ”

“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,” said William Tate IV, president of Rutgers University. “New Jersey is the No. 1 state in the country for soccer interest, and we’re excited that the state’s flagship university will host these world-class athletes.”

“Rutgers sits at the center of a region with a deep connection to the global game and a passionate soccer community,” noted Keli Zinn, director of athletics at Rutgers. “Hosting a World Cup team reflects the quality of our athletic facilities and emphasizes the role Rutgers and New Jersey will play on the world stage in 2026.”

This marks the latest example of the World Cup roll out, as planning turns to reality and execution statewide.

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