England’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup has been rocked by a mass shooting incident just miles from their base camp in Kansas City.
Nine people were injured after gunfire broke out in close proximity to where the Three Lions are scheduled to stay and train during the group stages of the tournament.
The incident took place on Troost Avenue, a location situated just a four-mile drive from England’s primary training facilities and team hotel.
Local police were called to the scene at approximately 4:00 AM on Saturday morning following multiple reports of gunfire erupting in the area.
Officers arrived to find a large crowd dispersing in panic, with the chaotic scene immediately raising alarm bells for tournament officials and security personnel.
Kansas City Police Department Captain Jake Becchina confirmed that three adult females were among the first victims rushed to hospital following the shooting.
Authorities later updated the total to nine adults shot in all, with victims distributed across several local medical centers for treatment.
Fortunately, all nine individuals are understood to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, providing some relief amid an otherwise deeply troubling situation.
No suspects are currently in custody, and police patrols have been significantly increased throughout the area as the investigation continues.
The shooting has intensified already fierce criticism directed at the United States over its handling of the 2026 World Cup, which has been plagued by controversy from the outset.
The Iran national team was barred from staying at their preferred US accommodation due to political restrictions, marking one of several high-profile diplomatic flashpoints surrounding the tournament.
Iraqi footballer Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for seven hours upon entering the United States, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from fans and officials around the world.
Hussein addressed his detention publicly, asking: “If America is so hostile towards foreign nationals, why is it hosting the #2026WorldCup?”
Beyond individual incidents, the widespread non-issuance of visas for players, staff, and fans from numerous countries has created serious logistical and humanitarian concerns ahead of kick-off.
The string of controversies has prompted growing questions about whether the United States was adequately prepared to safely and smoothly host the largest sporting event on the planet.
