World Cup 2026: Vladimir Petković highlights responsibility as Algeria settle in United States

Algeria’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have officially begun in the United States following a journey that ended with an emotional reception from supporters in Kansas City.

The national team arrived in the country after crossing the Atlantic and travelled to Kansas City before moving on to their base camp at The Oread Hotel in the nearby suburb of Lawrence.

It is there that their World Cup campaign has now formally started, with the squad settling into their training environment ahead of the tournament.

Their arrival was marked by a strong show of support from fans, as members of the Algerian diaspora gathered at the airport to welcome the players.

The scenes continued into the night, with supporters creating a vibrant atmosphere that provided an immediate lift for the squad upon arrival in the United States.

The reception combined both official greetings and spontaneous celebrations from fans, reinforcing the strong connection between the national team and its global following.

The welcome was described as uplifting for the players as they begin their final preparations for the competition.

On the tarmac at Kansas City airport, head coach Vladimir Petković, whose contract has recently been extended until 2028, spoke about the significance of the moment and the responsibility that comes with representing the national team on the world stage.

“It’s an honor to be here in the United States. Honor comes with responsibility, so we have to do things right to honor this jersey,” he told FIFA’s channel.

His comments reflected both pride and caution as Algeria begin the final phase of preparation for the World Cup. The coach emphasised the importance of discipline and professionalism as the squad prepares to compete at the highest level.

With their base now established in Lawrence, Algeria will continue training and tactical preparation in the coming days. The focus will be on building cohesion within the squad and ensuring the team is ready for the demands of the tournament.

The arrival marks the start of a crucial period for the Greens, who carry the expectations of their supporters into what promises to be a challenging World Cup campaign in the United States.