Lawrence to Host Algerian National Team as 2026 World Cup Base Camp
After nearly two years of planning, Lawrence has officially been selected as a base camp site for the Algerian men’s national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, confirms that Team Algeria will use facilities in Lawrence, mainly Rock Chalk Park, as its “home away from home” while competing in matches hosted in nearby Kansas City this June and July.
“Kansas Athletics is thrilled with our partners in Lawrence to be a base camp selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Jason Booker, deputy athletic director for the University of Kansas, in a press release. “Rock Chalk Park is a world-class facility that was validated by the countries that visited and in the level of interest we had in being a base camp. This summer offers a tremendous opportunity to showcase the broader university, Lawrence, Douglas County and our surrounding region. I am very appreciative of the tremendous collaboration across all parties to make this a reality.”
As a base camp, Lawrence will host the Algerian players and staff for training, rest and preparation throughout the tournament. While matches will be played at venues in Kansas City, the team will reside and practice in Lawrence, bringing international attention and a projected influx of visitors to the area.
“Lawrence has been preparing for visitors for this tournament for over a year and a half,” said Ruth DeWitt, external affairs and sales operations manager for Explore Lawrence. “We are thrilled to extend that welcome to the players, staff, family and fans of the Algerian men’s team. We are confident our efforts will result in visitors experiencing what it’s like to be a local in Lawrence in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. We all join in saying, ‘Welcome home, Algeria.’”
Planning efforts began well before the official selection. In January 2025, Douglas County organizations formalized a Unified Command structure to coordinate logistics tied to the World Cup. The collaborative group, known as Lawrence 2026, has focused on transportation, accommodations, entertainment and public safety in anticipation of thousands of visitors traveling through the region.
With Algeria now confirmed, organizers will tailor preparations to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of the team and its supporters. Leaders also see the base camp as a rare opportunity to highlight Lawrence’s hospitality and infrastructure on a global stage.
For a city accustomed to college athletics, this summer will bring something different: international soccer.