Rutgers to Host Senegal's World Cup Training Camp

Senegal national team to train at Rutgers, stay in nearby Somerset ahead of 2026 World Cup matches in New Jersey and Toronto

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Senegal men's national soccer team has chosen Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey as its team base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will train at Rutgers and reside at Delta Hotels Somerset over in Somerset, New Jersey ahead of their group stage matches at MetLife Stadium and in Toronto.

Why it matters

Hosting a World Cup team's training camp is a major coup for Rutgers and the surrounding New Brunswick area, providing an economic boost and global exposure. Senegal is expected to be a contender in the 2026 World Cup, making their choice of Rutgers as a training site a significant endorsement.

The details

Senegal will use Rutgers' facilities to train for the World Cup, with the team staying at the Delta Hotels Somerset nearby. Prior to the World Cup, Senegal will also play a friendly match against the United States on May 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  • Senegal will play two group stage matches at MetLife Stadium on June 16 and June 22, 2026.
  • Senegal's third group stage match will be against Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname on June 26, 2026 in Toronto.

The players

Rutgers University

The public research university that will host Senegal's World Cup training camp.

Senegal National Football Team

The men's national soccer team of Senegal, who are expected to be a contender in the 2026 World Cup.

Delta Hotels Somerset

The hotel where the Senegal national team will reside during their training camp in New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited that the team from Senegal will be training at Rutgers and staying in New Brunswick.”

— Chris Paladino, New Brunswick Development Corporation (Facebook)

What’s next

Prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup, Senegal will take on the United States in one last friendly match on May 31st, 2026 down inside Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The takeaway

Rutgers' selection as Senegal's World Cup training site is a major win for the university and the surrounding New Jersey community, providing an economic boost and global exposure as the team prepares for the tournament.