Sports

FIFA 2026: England team’s equipment stolen

Chaos ensues in Kansas City as England training gear stolen before tournament opener

Ariha Fatimah Arain

Published June 13, 2026, 09:19 PM

Updated a month ago

FIFA 2026: England team’s equipment stolen

Chaos ensues in Kansas City as England training gear stolen before tournament opener

FIFA World Cup 2026 just began on Thursday and it has already been hit with a major setback.

Ahead of their opening match against Croatia, England team’s equipment was stolen.

The equipment included footwear but that did not include any elite boots.

The theft occurred as the English side began their preparations for their World Cup opener, when transport vehicles carrying gear to the team’s base at Swope Soccer Village were broken into on Saturday.

When the stuff was stolen, a Kansas Police spokesman said “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.”

As of now, England have recovered most of their training equipment, BBC reports.

Police, who are working closely with the Football Association, attended the scene on Friday night and have reportedly made two arrests in connection with the theft.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad are expected to arrive in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon, with preparations continuing as planned despite the disruption.