How a US city welcomed the algerian team "like their own"

Hundreds of lawrence residents braved the rain to welcome the algerian national team, which chose the city as its base camp.

"Seeing 500-600 people standing in front of the hotel on the first night truly gave me goosebumps," said Algeria's coach Vladimir Petkovic in a press conference before today's match against Argentina, recalling his impression of the people of Lawrence.

For the 2026 World Cup, Algeria selected Lawrence, a city outside the Kansas City metropolitan area in Kansas, US, as its base. When the players first arrived after midnight on 8/6, hundreds of Lawrence residents gathered, waving flags to welcome them despite the rain.

Mayor Brad Finkeldei stated that the turnout to welcome the Algerian team, which included both Lawrence residents and fans from other areas, far exceeded expectations.

In Kansas, three other teams — Argentina, Netherlands, and England — established their bases at luxury hotels in Kansas City. In contrast, Algeria chose the modest DoubleTree hotel in Lawrence, located more than 64 km from the central metropolitan area.

Lawrence city residents welcome and cheer for the Algerian team. Video: X/Menlnblazer

Pam Kramer, executive director of the 2026 World Cup organizing committee in Kansas City, noted that fans lined the K-10 highway to await the Algerian team's bus.

"I think everyone was surprised by this warm welcome," said local artist Stan Herd. He added that preparations began in 4 when officials announced Lawrence as the Algerian team's base.

This city of nearly 100,000 residents is home to 27,000 students attending the University of Kansas, with approximately 30% identifying as members of minority communities or international students.

According to Herd, to ensure the Algerian team felt a welcome "like their own", city residents hung Algerian flags, commissioned artworks, and displayed signs and banners proclaiming "1, 2, 3, Viva l'Algerie!" (Go Algeria!).

Four days after the Algerian team arrived, thousands of local residents and fans flocked to Rock Chalk Park, home of the University of Kansas women's soccer team and also the Algerian team's training ground, to cheer on the players.

Algerian players take photos with fans at the training ground. Photo: X/City of Lawrence

Among the mandatory community engagement sessions for teams based in the Kansas City area, the Algerian team's program stood out for its intimate connection with the public.

Algerian music filled the air throughout the practice session. A subsequent soccer clinic transformed into a large-scale free-play event on an adjacent field. Hundreds of local children played alongside famous players such as Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Aissa Mandi, and Amine Gouiri.

The University of Kansas band performed the Algerian national anthem as the team took the field for practice. The next day, player Mahrez posted on social media to express his gratitude.

"We saw many Americans wearing Algerian scarves," coach Petkovic said. "They offered us a very warm welcome and truly wanted to be part of this special moment with the national team."

Artist Herd created a large-scale Algerian national flag in a field. Approximately 600 Algerian immigrants and local residents then gathered around the artwork, holding hands, singing, and dancing together.