Kansas town shows support for Algeria during World Cup amid human rights issues
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 6:30 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
The town of Lawrence, Kansas, welcomed Algeria's national soccer team with enthusiasm, hosting over 500 supporters at the airport for their arrival for the World Cup. The team engaged with the community, participating in local events and enjoying a warm reception. This positive atmosphere stands in contrast to ongoing challenges in Algeria, where authorities face criticism for human rights violations and the detention of journalist Christophe Gleizes. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly called for Gleizes' release, leaving a symbolic seat open for him at the tournament.
- •Lawrence, Kansas, warmly welcomes Algeria's national team for the World Cup.
- •More than 500 people greeted the team upon their arrival.
- •Algerian players interacted with locals, participating in various events.
- •FIFA president calls attention to journalist Christophe Gleizes' detention.
- •Gleizes has been imprisoned for charges related to his reporting.
- 6:30 PMYahoo Sports — Kansas town embraces Algeria at the World Cup as the nation itself grapples with human rights record
"It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when Algeria felt at home in the small college town home to the University of Kansas. Might have been when 500 people showed up at the airport to welcome its national team for the World Cup. Or when players for The Fennecs saw the giant Algerian flag that local artist Stan Herd had crafted of mulch and sand.
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