Algeria Picks Lawrence and KU's Rock Chalk Park as 2026 World Cup Base Camp Site

The Algerian men's national team will train and recover at the Kansas university's facilities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Algerian men's national soccer team has officially selected Lawrence, Kansas and the University of Kansas' Rock Chalk Park as its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will be housed in Lawrence and use the facilities at Rock Chalk Park to train and recover between matches during the tournament.

Why it matters

This is a major opportunity for the University of Kansas and the city of Lawrence to showcase their world-class soccer facilities on the global stage. It could lead to increased exposure, recruiting success, and revenue for the KU soccer program and the local economy.

The details

After nearly two years of planning and preparation, Lawrence and Rock Chalk Park were selected by the Algerian team as one of four base camp sites in the greater Kansas City region for the 2026 World Cup. The Algerians, currently ranked 28th in the FIFA world rankings, will play two of their three group stage matches at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

  • The Algerian team's selection of Lawrence and Rock Chalk Park as their base camp was officially announced on February 19, 2026.
  • The Algerian team will train and recover at Rock Chalk Park in the months leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June to July 2026.

The players

Algeria

The Algerian men's national soccer team, currently ranked 28th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings.

University of Kansas

The host university whose Rock Chalk Park facilities will serve as the training grounds for the Algerian national team during the 2026 World Cup.

City of Lawrence

The city in Kansas that will host the Algerian team and their fans during the World Cup, providing accommodations and a welcoming environment.

Nate Lie

The head coach of the University of Kansas soccer team.

Jason Booker

The Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“Kansas Athletics is thrilled with our partners in Lawrence to be a base camp selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 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.”

— Jason Booker, Deputy Athletic Director, University of Kansas (si.com)

“Lawrence has been preparing for visitors for this tournament for over a year and a half. 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.'”

— Ruth DeWitt, External Affairs and Sales Operations Manager, Explore Lawrence (si.com)

What’s next

More preparation is currently underway through the Lawrence 2026 initiative to ensure that the Algerian team, their fans, and visitors can all have a safe and fun experience during their stay in Lawrence this summer.

The takeaway

The selection of Lawrence and Rock Chalk Park as the Algerian national team's base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major coup for the University of Kansas and the city, providing an opportunity to showcase their world-class soccer facilities and hospitality on the global stage.