England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations have been disrupted after team equipment was stolen from a vehicle ahead of their arrival at their training base in Kansas City, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred as equipment was being transported to England’s designated training facility at Swope Soccer Village, with reports indicating that footballs, boots and other training gear were among the items taken after team vans were broken into during transit from Florida.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel and his squad are due to arrive in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon, with the missing equipment originally scheduled to be in place before their arrival.
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The Football Association confirmed that an incident had taken place but stated that the matter is now under police investigation, limiting further comment.
Local authorities have since launched an inquiry, with Kansas City Police confirming that arrests have already been made in connection with the theft.
“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening. The investigation is ongoing,” a statement from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department said.
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England recently completed their pre-tournament training camp in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, before players were given a brief break ahead of their relocation to Kansas City.
Tuchel’s squad are scheduled to hold their first training session at Swope Soccer Village later on Saturday at 5:00 pm local time (2200 GMT), as they continue preparations for their opening World Cup fixture.
England begin their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday before facing Ghana and Panama in their Group L matches.
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