An armed incident near the England national team’s training base in Kansas City, Missouri, left nine people injured, according to local media reports, as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and raising concerns about security ahead of the tournament.
Context of the 2026 World Cup Preparation
The England squad was in Kansas City for a series of training sessions ahead of their opening match in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team had been based at a facility near the city’s downtown area, where the incident reportedly took place. No details about the perpetrators or motive have been officially released, though local authorities are investigating.
England’s preparation has been focused on acclimating to the tournament’s venues and building momentum ahead of the group stage. The team’s next scheduled match is against Costa Rica on June 12, 2026, in a game that could determine their path to the knockout rounds.
Response and Investigation
Kansas City police confirmed the incident occurred in the early morning hours, with nine individuals—three players, five staff members, and one local resident—treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A spokesperson for the team stated, “The safety of our players and staff is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and will provide further updates as available.”
The U.S. Secret Service and FBI have been notified of the incident, though no official statement has been issued. Security around the England camp has been heightened, with additional personnel deployed to the area. Local officials have not yet commented on whether the attack is being treated as a targeted or random act.
What’s Next
The England Football Association has not yet announced whether the team’s schedule will be altered. The squad is expected to continue training in Kansas City, with their next public activity a press conference on Tuesday. The FBI has requested any surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and investigators are reviewing calls to 911 from the scene.
The incident has sparked discussions about security protocols for international teams during major tournaments. Previous World Cup preparations have seen heightened precautions, but this is the first reported attack on a squad in the 2026 cycle. The outcome of the investigation could influence future security measures for teams competing in the event.
