At least nine and two were injured in 2 separate shooting incidents near England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 base in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday raising fresh concerns on gun violence in the US ahead of FIFA. According to city police, all victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and 3 of them were hospitalized.
The firing was opened approximately four miles from Swope Soccer Village, the training facility designated as England’s base camp during the World Cup, sources stated. No official statement has been issued however, investigations are underway.
In a separate incident later on Saturday night, two men were killed in a shooting on Westport Road, adding to a violent weekend in the city as per KSHB 41.
The 1966 FIFA World Cup Champions England will play against Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. The Three Lions open their tournament against Croatia on June 17 at Dallas Stadium before facing Ghana on June 23 in Boston and Panama on June 27 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The squad for the tournament includes experienced names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and Bukayo Saka. Emerging talents including Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers and Tino Livramento are also included in the team.
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford and James Trafford have been selected, while the defensive unit includes John Stones, Reece James, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa. England’s attacking options will be led by captain Kane alongside Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Anthony Gordon.