World Cup Comes to South Jersey: Haiti Selects Stockton University as Team Base Camp

Haiti1: Members of the Haiti National Soccer Team practice at G. Larry James Stadium on June 9. The team will hold about nine days of practice at Stockton University during the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While the world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a piece of soccer history is unfolding right here in South Jersey.

The Haiti National Soccer Team has selected Stockton University as its Team Base Camp during the tournament, transforming the Galloway campus into a temporary home for one of the most inspiring stories in this year's World Cup.

The team arrived at Stockton on June 9 and was greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic fans, local youth soccer players, and members of the Haitian community during a special community practice at G. Larry James Stadium.

For Haiti, this World Cup appearance is historic.

Haiti2: Fans of the Haiti national soccer team gathered at G. Larry James Stadium at Stockton University on June 9 to watch the team practice during a community day.

The nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for just the second time in its history and its first appearance in 52 years. The achievement comes despite significant challenges, including years of instability that have prevented the national team from regularly playing home matches in Haiti.

"Our job here as the Team Base Camp is simply to provide a home away from home and create an environment for Haiti to flourish in America while competing in the World Cup," said Jeff Haines, Stockton University's Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation and director of the Team Base Camp.

Stockton's growing reputation as an international soccer destination helped make the partnership possible. Over the years, the university has hosted training camps for national teams from Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Brazil, and the United States.

Now, Haiti joins that impressive list.

Haiti3: Haitian defender Markhus 'Duke' Lacroix grew up in New Egypt, about 50 miles north of Stockton. He played his collegiate soccer at the University of Pennsylvania and spent two seasons playing with the Ocean City Nor’easters.

The team will train at Stockton between its World Cup group-stage matches against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco. Players will have access not only to the stadium's newly installed Kentucky bluegrass playing surface—similar to the field they'll compete on in Philadelphia—but also to Stockton's Sports Center, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and physical therapy facilities.

One of the most meaningful moments of the team's arrival came from defender Markhus "Duke" Lacroix, who has deep New Jersey ties.

Raised in New Egypt, Ocean County, Lacroix played collegiate soccer at the University of Pennsylvania and spent two summers with the Ocean City Nor'easters.

"On a personal note, I'm really happy to be back in New Jersey," Lacroix said. "I remember coming here to events as a young aspiring soccer player, so to be back here in front of all of you is special."

The welcome also made an impression on 20-year-old defender Keeto Thermocy, the youngest player on Haiti's World Cup roster.

"The atmosphere is great," Thermocy said. "It's great to have the whole community out here for us."

For Stockton University President Joe Bertolino, the opportunity represents more than athletics. "It affirms the strength of our athletic facilities, the beauty of our campus, and most importantly, the dedication of our people," Bertolino said. "Tonight is a moment of pride for Stockton, for South Jersey, and for all of us who believe in the power of sport to bring people together across cultures, communities and continents."

As World Cup excitement spreads across New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia this summer, South Jersey can proudly say it is playing a role on the global stage.

For the next several days, Stockton University won't just be a college campus—it will be home to a World Cup team chasing history.