Scaloni's Argentina recovering fast before Algeria opener

Scaloni's squad recovering fast ahead of your opener

Four days before Argentina face Algeria in the World Cup opener, Lionel Scaloni got the news he wanted: his key players are recovering well in training. The Argentina camp reports positive progress, meaning Algeria are likely to face a close-to-full-strength Argentina side on Wednesday (1). Eight Argentina players will also wear a special FIFA patch in the match, marking them as reigning world champions (3). The game kicks off June 17.

Kansas rolls out the red carpet for your boys

Algeria's World Cup base in Lawrence, Kansas received the squad with open arms this week. Students at the University of Kansas learned the Algerian national anthem and played it for the players during a public training session on Thursday. The moment reflected the warmth of the welcome as the Fennecs settle into their American base (2).

Fan reactions

The public training session in Lawrence drew attention online, with fans noting it is not every day a World Cup squad sets up camp in a small Kansas college town. The gesture of students learning the anthem struck a chord, posts highlighted the surreal nature of seeing Algeria greeted with such enthusiasm in the American heartland. Read the thread