The Algeria national football team arrived in Lawrence, Kansas, at 12:20 a. m.
on Monday, June 8, 2026, to begin final training at Rock Chalk Park ahead of their opening World Cup matches.
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Approximately 2,000 supporters gathered in steady rain at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton to welcome the delegation following a 10.5-hour flight from Algiers.
As reported by The Kansas City Star, fans held flags, beat drums, and chanted to greet the players after stormy weather delayed the scheduled 9:30 p.
m. Sunday arrival.
The squad returns to the tournament for the first time since 2014, placed in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria, and Jordan.
Fan Enthusiasm and Diaspora Support
"American people should be proud because they are receiving a big team like Algeria in Lawrence," said Djahid Hocine, an Algerian-born ride-share driver living in Overland Park.
Hocine noted that local supporters tracked government news updates to coordinate the welcoming gathering at the hotel.
"All these people are from Algeria, but there are a few Americans here that are excited because they're following our team.
There are some (from Algeria) who got married to American people, and they all are fans," said Hocine.
Supporters expressed high optimism for the upcoming Group J fixtures scheduled at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and in California.
"This is the first time we're playing here in America.
We're excited for our team to come here to America, and we are excited to see them here playing against big teams like Argentina, Jordan, all that," said Hocine.
