England suffer bizarre kit theft en route to World Cup base, two held | OneFootball

England’s support staff convoy was robbed of training gear during a routine move to their 2026 World Cup base, with official balls and players’ customised boots taken en route from Florida to Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Police said in a statement that a formal investigation has begun after a logistics vehicle was forcibly entered, and two suspects are in custody as officers work to recover the equipment.

The theft occurred during the staff’s journey to Swope Soccer Village. The squad travelled separately, so no players were placed at risk.

England plan to begin training in Missouri on Sunday, before opening against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday. Recovery efforts aim to avoid disruption to head coach Thomas Tuchel’s preparations.

The incident has sharpened focus on security in Kansas City, which is hosting other heavyweights including Argentina, the Netherlands and Algeria at the start of the tournament.

Despite the setback, England impressed in Florida, beating Costa Rica 3-0 and signing off with a convincing behind-closed-doors win, underlining their credentials.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo