Algerians in Kansas: How the State Has Become A Shining Example of American Hospitality

posted on: Jun 24, 2026

By: Connor J. Buss / Arab America Contributing Writer

Before the World Cup began, headlines had Americans skeptical of how the nation would react to the inflow of foreign teams and fans. However, Lawrence, Kansas tells a different story. The small city of just under 100,000 has found itself as the home base of the Algeria National Football Team for the 2026 World Cup, with its Group J debut against Argentina in Kansas City, MO.

Arrival in Kansas

Algeria chose Lawrence as base camp because it is home to Kansas University, boasting the Rock Chalk Park field. However, the city would become more than just a place for practice. The players were surprised by hundreds of Kansans waiting outside their hotel with scarves, shirts, and streamers all portraying the Algerian flag to welcome the team to their city.

The welcome party continued to the open practice with multiple thousand Kansans attending, excited to be a World Cup host. The team also enjoyed an official welcome from Kansas University. The school’s marching band played the Algerian national anthem alongside a tour of the University. Following the practice, a gathering occurred where Lawrence residents spoke with and learned from Algerian fans. Some even got signatures from the Algerian players.

Planning

The vibrant welcoming was not unplanned. The nearby Kansas City was home to a significant Algerian diaspora. Groups in the University of Kansas worked with the community to organize the welcoming party, organized via Instagram, when Lawrence was announced as the team’s chosen location. Before the team had even arrived, Algerian artwork lined the streets, lampposts had “1, 2, 3, Viva L’Algérie” written on them, and McDonald’s drive-thru windows had Algerian welcoming signs. Local stores had products tailored to Algerian tastes, for example Waxman Candles making candles with the Algerian Fennec fox scent. The enthusiasm was not expecting anything in return, but an effort to express gratitude for being World Cup hosts.

The open-armed welcome was not just towards the team, though. Some Lawrence fans were Algerians who traveled from as far as Algeria itself to support the team. These fans also received the same enthusiastic embrace from the Kansan community, with some fans even being welcomed to stay in the homes of community members. The American hospitality was met with Algerian appreciation and gratitude, some even declaring themselves honorary Kansans.

What It Means

This display of American hospitality stands against the unfortunate experiences that other World Cup teams and employees have endured. The American government denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan due to a US-imposed travel ban. Also, many current-administration politicians have pushed extra-security policies that have resulted in teams such as Senegal being forced to undergo extra security checks and the Iranian team being kicked out of the country. Lawrence was worried that the Algerian team would experience similar treatment. However, the team’s presence has only made the community more enthusiastic to host.

There are another 18 communities across the United States that are not even hosting a World Cup match yet have accepted World Cup teams and have decided to act as neighbors for the duration of the World Cup. The Côte d’Iviore national team has received a similar welcome in Delaware, as have the Bosnia and Herzegovina team in Utah, Egypt in Washington, and many more. The American welcoming parties nationwide have told a new story and made clear that Americans accept and embrace foreign culture more than expected.

Often the world favors stories that promoted division portray unity and acceptance as goals too far-fetched. But what happened in Kansas rivals the idea that communities in the Central USA are hostile to foreigners. Algeria was a locally unfamiliar country to Lawrence, but the team was welcomed with open arms and an accepting curiosity. The community has proven that working together and accepting cultures with differences leads to real relationships between people. Viva L’Algérie!

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