England have suffered a setback before their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after training equipment being transported to the team’s base in Kansas City was stolen.
The incident took place while kit was being moved from England’s pre-tournament camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, where it was meant to be ready before the squad’s arrival on Saturday.
Reports said balls and boots were among the items taken after vehicles carrying the equipment were broken into. Police in Kansas City have launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities said they were looking into the suspected theft after a team vehicle arrived in the city with items missing. Two persons of interest were taken into custody as the investigation continued.
The theft comes just days before England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas.
England have been in Florida in recent days to adjust to the heat and humidity before the tournament. During that period, the team also played warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Tampa Bay and Orlando.
Kansas City has emerged as a major team base for the tournament, with Algeria, Argentina and the Netherlands also setting up in or around the city.
So far, the World Cup has already produced a lively start. Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1. Canada then defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1, and the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in another high-scoring result.