Algeria Welcomes Kansas World Cup Delegation

Algeria has welcomed a U.S. delegation from Lawrence, Kansas, after the city’s warm reception of the national soccer team during the 2026 World Cup sparked a lasting friendship. The visitors include city officials, University of Kansas community members and police officers; band members are preparing to perform the Algerian and U.S. anthems together, while detective Meghan Bardwell—who drew attention for welcoming the team in a viral video—has been recognized by fans and police during the visit. The delegation also includes representatives from Elkader, Iowa, whose long-standing ties to Algeria include a sister-city relationship with Mascara.