World Cup 2026: Shooting Incident Near England National Team Base Camp

Nine individuals sustained injuries in a mass shooting incident close to the English squad's World Cup 2026 headquarters in Kansas City, USA.

Major security concerns have shaken the World Cup preparations after nine people were hurt in a shooting just a short drive from the England national team's training facility.

US police received reports of an incident on Troost Avenue in Kansas City around 4 a.m. last Saturday. Mail Sport reported that the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) confirmed officers were dispatched following gunfire. Upon arrival, they found a large crowd dispersing. The event occurred just days before the England team was scheduled to arrive in Kansas City.

England national team prepares to land in Kansas City — Photo: Getty

Three women injured at the scene were immediately taken to a local hospital by paramedics. Authorities later determined that a total of nine adults had independently presented at various regional hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

No suspects have been detained yet, but law enforcement continues to conduct strict patrols in the area as the investigation into the shooting proceeds.

Troost Avenue is only about 4 miles (approximately 6.4 km) by car from the team's hotel and training ground where England will stay during the early stages of the World Cup.

Kate Fowler, a resident living near Troost Avenue, revealed she woke up to find a bullet hole right outside her front door and a stray bullet inside her living room. She shared images of the shell casings and damage on Facebook.

Kansas City recorded 138 homicides in 2025, a decrease from the record high of 185 in 2023.

According to KCTV5, this week the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners approved a $17 million federal grant specifically allocated for security and safety during the World Cup.

According to reports, KCPD Deputy Chief Derek McCollum stated: "We knew we needed this funding, so we have continued to move forward with our plans. We figured that funding would eventually be approved."

Mayor Quinton Lucas has promised that the England team will be well cared for and protected during the 2026 World Cup.

The incident occurred just days before the England coach and his squad are set to arrive in Kansas City, after completing their World Cup preparation phase in Palm Beach, Florida.

England played New Zealand in Tampa on Saturday afternoon, winning 1–0 in their first warm-up friendly for the World Cup, thanks to a goal from captain Harry Kane.

Next, they will face Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, before officially flying to Kansas City on June 13.

During the group stage of the tournament, they will train at Swope Soccer Village, the base camp of Sporting KC's reserve team and academy.

Meanwhile, the Argentine national team will use Sporting Kansas City's main training facility, while the Netherlands will train at the base of Kansas City Current, a club in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

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