World Cup 2026: Riyad Mahrez sets ambitious tone as Algeria arrive in United States

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has said the national team are determined to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup after a passionate reception from supporters greeted their arrival in the United States.

The squad were met with extraordinary scenes in Kansas City, where members of the Algerian diaspora turned the team’s arrival into a large-scale celebration.

Streets were filled with fans, car horns echoed across the city, and crowds gathered in numbers to welcome the players, creating an atmosphere of jubilation that reflected the significance of the occasion.

The displays of support, driven largely by Algerians living in the United States, underlined the strong connection between the team and its global fanbase.

The intensity of the welcome also attracted attention locally, with media outlets noting the scale of the celebrations and the enthusiasm shown by supporters.

Following comments from head coach Vladimir Petković on the tarmac at Kansas airport, Mahrez addressed the team’s ambitions ahead of their fifth appearance at a World Cup finals.

Speaking with clarity and intent, he emphasised the squad’s desire to deliver a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.

“We are here to try to achieve something and make our country proud of us,” he said.

The Algerian captain also responded to questions about their opening match against reigning world champions Argentina, choosing to keep expectations measured despite the high-profile nature of the fixture.

He stressed that the team still had time to prepare properly and should approach the encounter with focus and calm.

“We still have a week to properly prepare for this match. We’ll approach it like any other. We’re ready,” he said.

His comments were seen as a message of composure ahead of what is expected to be one of the most closely watched matches of the opening round.

Rather than being drawn into speculation, Mahrez insisted Algeria would treat the game as part of their broader tournament journey.

With the World Cup campaign approaching, Algeria now turn their attention to final preparations, carrying both the momentum of their supporters’ passionate welcome and the responsibility of representing their nation on the global stage.