Morocco establishes New Jersey as anchor point for 2026 World Cup and expanded decentralized cooperation with the United States
via Le Matin4 min read
Morocco has designated a training site in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, as a key location for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to strengthen Moroccan-American cooperation. This strategic choice involves collaboration with local authorities, institutional coordination, and sports diplomacy. Ambassador Youssef Amrani visited the future training camp for the Atlas Lions, meeting with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Alex Lasry, director of the World Cup Host Committee for New York and New Jersey. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation between Morocco and New Jersey in sports, industry, and technological innovation. Amrani highlighted New Jersey's strategic and industrial opportunities for Morocco and its private sector. He emphasized football's role as a bridge between societies, noting Morocco's commitment to excellence through the Mohammed VI Football Academy. Governor Sherrill, wearing a national team jersey, welcomed the Moroccan team and its supporters, reaffirming the strong ties between Morocco and the United States. She underscored football's unifying role and mentioned that over 10,000 Moroccans reside in New Jersey. The World Cup will allow many Moroccans to explore opportunities in the state while supporting the Atlas Lions. Earlier, Ambassador Amrani toured the New York/New Jersey MetLife stadium and met with Ana María Archila, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for International Affairs in New York, to discuss historical friendship and arrangements for welcom
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