Lawrence

As the world's biggest soccer tournament transformed Lawrence, Kansas, into an international destination, a collaboration with the University of Kansas' journalism program helped KCUR capture stories that unfolded far beyond the pitch.

The World Cup's arrival in the Midwest has driven an interest in soccer that cuts across generations. In Lawrence, Kansas, the local parks and recreation department is channeling that enthusiasm into weekly games of walking soccer, a slowed-down version of the sport that's more accessible to older adults.

Algeria's stay in Lawrence put the University of Kansas on the map for an international audience. KU is working to leverage that awareness to increase enrollment.

Even before Kansas City was made an official host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lawrence city officials, the University of Kansas and other groups prepared to be a welcoming base camp.

Algeria celebrates its independence on July 5, marking the country's formalizing of its vote to break from France in 1962. The Algerian national team's stay in Lawrence has put that history top of mind for Algerian Americans in Kansas.

Team Algeria, which made Lawrence its home base and befriended the community, was knocked out of the tournament after losing 0-2 to Switzerland.

A heat dome that's brought punishing heat and humidity to the Midwest will make for a tough Colombia-Ghana match on Friday, for players and fans — some of whom are more accustomed to temperatures in the 60s and 70s in July.

Both Kansas and Missouri cleared a path for cities to let bars serve alcohol into the wee hours during the World Cup. But some bar owners say the demand for early-morning drinking isn’t high enough to justify the extra staff and safety concerns.

To welcome Algerian visitors and make them feel at home in the charming college town, Lawrence restaurant owners offered more halal options, with some pulling pork from their menu. The Algerian team’s presence also gave an opportunity to spotlight Lawrence’s Middle Eastern restaurants.

The list of World Cup controversies had many feeling pretty cynical before the tournament. But the moments of comradery and celebration among fans and teams — especially the connection between Lawrence, Kansas, and Algeria — have made the challenges easy to forget.

Algeria's draw with Austria was enough to put both teams through to the Round of 32, and extend the mutual affection between the African squad and Lawrence, Kansas, the college town they're calling home during the tournament.

The ongoing Algeria-Lawrence lovefest has gained international attention, but a loss Saturday evening could end the affair while it's still getting started. Despite the big crowds and sometimes snarled traffic, pregame vibes in Lawrence are immaculate.