FIFA World Cup base camp + Darryn Peterson KU hoops updates: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A

In the wake of FIFA’s recent reveal of the 2026 World Cup schedule, representatives from a number of nations have visited Kansas City and Lawrence to check out both areas as potential “base camp” sites for their soccer teams.

As The Star previously reported, reps from England, Germany, Colombia and South Korea have paid visits to Lawrence.

The Star was told that Argentina and Algeria visited Lawrence last week. This is especially relevant as both are scheduled to play games at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — and a source close to the situation told The Star that Lawrence is a likely base camp location for a team playing in KC.

Which team that might be is unknown, for now. Here’s the list of the seven squad that will be playing matches in KC: Netherlands, Argentina, Algeria, Tunisia, Curaçao, Ecuador and Austria.

With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...

Are you out on Dawson or Rosario? What do they need to do to get going? @NickSpringer29

I’m not out on either one of them, but the clock is ticking on both players. As KU moves toward conference play, each must provide something that this team lacks.

That means shooting proficiency. Both players were supposed to carry the load in 2025-26, but neither is shooting better than 25% on 3-pointers.

The path to more playing time starts with hitting shots. If they can’t do that, it’s hard to justify having either on the court.

Does KU basketball have access to gatorade, bananas, or other advanced technology for hydration and cramping?

I believe so (lol). Here’s what coach Bill Self said when I asked him about it.

“We’ve talked to everybody,” he said. “We’ve only had a couple of guys that have had this. Devonte’ (Graham) probably had it as bad as anyone. He worked through it, but it took a while to work through it. ...

“Everybody has an idea of (how to fix this), whether it’s mustard packets or eating bananas or drinking this (drink) ... there’s a lot of things that people can do. And sometimes your body just doesn’t react how it reacts to a nephew or uncle(’s remedy) in your family.”

If you didn’t want to go to work, what injury would you use? @bewarephog

I can’t remember the last time I took a sick day, but when I was a kid I usually went with a stomach ache.

Nobody can really question it and make you prove your stomach doesn’t hurt, so it’s pretty safe.

I didn’t miss a ton of school days, either, though. My parents could usually figure out when I was lying, so I didn’t try it too often. Ha ha.

As for how this pertains to Peterson, I really do believe he has cramps and wants to play. It’s clear that this is a frustrating situation for everyone involved — one that will hopefully be resolved soon.

What’s Santa need to bring to both KU programs? @MrEd315

For KU basketball, it’s a healthy Darryn Peterson. Simple as that.

For KU football, it’s a little more complicated. The Jayhawks have a lot of needs to address, with 33 departing seniors and a number of players in the transfer portal.

So, I think the best hope football-wise is that Kansas can bring in impact transfers at such positions of need as linebacker and defensive line.

This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 11:51 AM.

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.