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In April, the United Nations described the upcoming World Cup as a unique opportunity to “build bridges and break barriers” because “sport can have a transformative effect in every society, connecting communities across borders and generations, and creating spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual respect.”
That’s exactly what happened between Algerians and Lawrencians this summer. We proved, to the world (and perhaps to ourselves), that this is possible.
Like many Lawrencians, I am exceedingly grateful to everyone who made the 2026 World Cup experience a success in our city: to Team Algeria for choosing us; to all of the local government leaders and committee members who spent months and years planning for this; to the staff at the DoubleTree hotel and KU’s athletic facilities for all of their labor and hospitality; to local businesses who embraced the team and our excitement in a myriad of ways; to law enforcement for all of their work in keeping everyone safe (and traffic moving!); to artists who used their creativity to celebrate this unique time; to all the community members who wore the T-shirts and jerseys, staffed and attended the watch parties, spoke from the heart, went viral, and enjoyed the fun; and, finally, to Algerian fans who generously shared their team and fandom with us.
As we continue to bask in the joy of Team Algeria’s World Cup residence in town, many don’t want it to end. I’ve seen a clip of Mayor Brad Finkeldei saying we should have Lawrence/Algeria “reunions.” Yes, please!
But I also want to go to Algeria. I want to take my kids. I would love Flying Jayhawks or a local travel agency to create trips for Lawrencians of all ages to visit and learn more about Algerian life and culture. They came here; now I’m ready to return the gesture.
Algerians and Lawrencians have — just as the UN predicted — created connections across our communities and generations. Our town became a place for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual respect.
It was not an accident. It took planning and coordination by many groups and organizations. But it also required individuals and families to embrace the enthusiasm publicly and personally. It was enormously fun. Let’s keep it going.
1, 2, 3 Viva l’Algerie and Rock Chalk Algeria!
— Tai Edwards (she/her), Lawrence, historian and educator
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