Algeria's win lifts Kansas town that adopted their World Cup dream

Algeria’s win over Jordan has boosted World Cup hopes and reinforced a shared hometown pride in Lawrence, Kansas, where fans embraced the team as their own. On Monday, supporters gathered for a watch party downtown as Algeria secured their first group-match victory, turning streets into green, white and red. Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, has served as Algeria’s base camp, drawing attention even as Argentina, England and the Netherlands played roughly 40 miles away in Kansas City. Despite a 3-0 opening loss to reigning champions Argentina in Kansas City, Lawrence intensified its welcome after the latest result. Algeria will next play Austria in a decisive Group J match in Kansas City on Saturday. The enthusiasm has also lifted local commerce, with halal offerings expanding and Algeria-themed merchandise selling rapidly.