Algeria receives warm welcome in Lawrence, Kansas during World Cup

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Algeria receives warm welcome in Lawrence, Kansas during World Cup

Summary

Lawrence, Kansas, has shown unprecedented support for Algeria as the nation prepares for the World Cup. Videos circulating online depict emotional scenes of local residents, including an elderly man, greeting the Algerian team at their base camp in torrential rain. The enthusiasm from this college town, with a population of roughly 100,000, has become a surprising focal point of affection and camaraderie during the tournament. Local celebrations reflect a unique connection that has perhaps taken many by surprise.

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The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Lawrence is a college town in northeastern Kansas with around 100,000 residents.
•Emotional videos of local fans welcoming Algeria have gone viral.
•The town's support for Algeria is considered unprecedented and surprising.
•Algeria is participating in the World Cup, elevating the local enthusiasm.

Latest Updates

8:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — How Algeria won over a Kansas town – and became the World Cup’s unlikeliest love affair

What they're saying

"
Lawrence, a college town of about 100,000 in northeastern Kansas, has embraced Les Fennecs with a fervor that has surprised everyone but the people who live there You’ve probably seen it by now: The video of a sweet elderly man overcome with emotion, standing outside in the rain and thunderstorms of Lawrence, Kansas, as Algeria arrived at its base camp. The video and several more have gone viral as the surprise love affair of the World Cup has emerged from what seems like the unlikeliest of places – at least to those on the outside. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Daniel Sperry in Lawrence, Kansas

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