A shooting near England’s World Cup base in Kansas City has raised security concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the incident occurring just weeks before the Three Lions arrive in the city.
According to local authorities, police responded to reports of gunfire on Troost Avenue at around 4am on Saturday and found a large crowd dispersing from the area.
Kansas City Police confirmed that nine adults sustained injuries and were transported to various hospitals for treatment. Authorities said all injuries were non-life-threatening, while no arrests had been made as of Saturday as investigations continue.
The shooting occurred a short distance from the training base and team hotel England will use during the tournament.
England are currently in Florida completing their preparations and are expected to move to Kansas City on June 13, where they will remain throughout the World Cup. The team will train at Swope Soccer Village, home to Sporting Kansas City’s reserve and academy teams.
The development is also of interest to Ghana, who are scheduled to face England in a Group L clash in Boston on June 23.
While police have not linked the shooting to the World Cup or any participating teams, the incident has attracted attention because of its proximity to England’s tournament headquarters.
Argentina and the Netherlands are also expected to use Kansas City as their World Cup base during the competition.
England began their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 victory over New Zealand and will face Costa Rica in another friendly before opening their campaign against Senegal.
Ghana, meanwhile, will begin their World Cup journey against Panama before taking on England and Croatia in the group stage.
