England’s preparations for their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an off-field setback after training equipment meant for the squad was reportedly stolen before the team arrived in Kansas City.
The theft occurred after vehicles transporting equipment to England’s training base at the Swope Soccer Village were broken into, prompting an investigation by local police.
The Football Association is still assessing the extent of the loss, with boots, footballs and other training gear feared to be among the missing items.
England manager Thomas Tuchel and his players were scheduled to arrive in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon, with the equipment expected to be in place before the squad settled into its tournament base.
Members of the FA’s logistics team had already begun setting up England’s facilities at the Swope Soccer Village when the suspected theft was discovered.
According to reports, training kit and other equipment were found to be missing when one of the vehicles arrived to be unloaded.
The FA is now working to determine exactly what was taken and whether any replacement equipment will be required before the team’s first training sessions.
The incident is being investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, which confirmed that authorities are treating it as a possible theft.
“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” the department said in a statement.
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Police added that the investigation remains ongoing and that two persons of interest have been taken into custody.
Despite the disruption, England are expected to continue with their planned schedule ahead of the tournament.
The Three Lions are due to take part in a community training session on Saturday before turning their full attention to next Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas.
Tuchel’s side head into the World Cup aiming to challenge for a second global title, having last lifted the trophy in 1966.
(ESPN)
