LAWRENCE, Kan. — After nearly two years of preparation and planning, Lawrence has officially been selected as a base camp for the Algerian men’s soccer team during this summer’s World Cup tournament.
“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. “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 site, Lawrence will serve as Team Algeria’s home away from home. While the team trains, rests and prepares during the tournament, players and staff will become short-term residents in the community.
“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, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. “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.’”
In January 2025, a Unified Command structure was formalized for Douglas County organizations to coordinate preparations for the tournament, which will include matches in Kansas City in June and July.
Lawrence 2026 brings together individuals and organizations from across Douglas County to address logistics related to an influx of thousands of visitors drawn by the base camp and the nearby matches.
Key considerations include transportation, accommodations, entertainment and community needs such as public safety and infrastructure. With the announcement of Team Algeria establishing a base camp in Lawrence, organizers will now focus on the specific linguistic, cultural and logistical needs of fans and players, as well as the opportunities the visitors create for the region.
More information about summer activities and community preparations is available online.