Algeria establishes World Cup base camp at University of Kansas
The national squad arrives in Lawrence ahead of its opening match against defending champion Argentina
LAWRENCE — The Algerian men's national soccer team touched down in the Midwest around 10:30 p.m. Sunday following a roughly 10-hour flight, officially establishing its 2026 FIFA World Cup training base at the University of Kansas. Led by head coach Vladimir Petkovic and captain Riyad Mahrez, the 26-man roster bused from Kansas City International Airport to Lawrence, where players will spend the next several days recovering from jet lag before beginning formal practices at Rock Chalk Park. Gov. Laura Kelly welcomed the team to the state, emphasizing Kansas' pride in hosting the international athletes at the university's sports complex.
Making their first World Cup appearance since a historic knockout-round run in 2014, the Desert Foxes face a challenging group schedule that kicks off against defending tournament champion Argentina at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. After the highly anticipated opening match in Kansas City, Missouri, Algeria will travel to Santa Clara, California, to play Jordan before returning to Arrowhead for a final group-stage clash against Austria.
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