A mass shooting in Kansas City has left nine people injured just days before England are due to arrive in the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting renewed attention on security preparations surrounding the tournament.Authorities stressed that the incident was not connected to the World Cup and did not occur near any tournament venue. Nevertheless, the shooting took place only a few miles from England’s planned training base, adding another layer of scrutiny to security arrangements ahead of football’s biggest event.All nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to survive.
Shooting occurred near England’s future training base
According to Kansas City Police, officers responded to reports of shots fired near East 79th Street and Troost Avenue at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday morning.When officers arrived, they found a large crowd dispersing from the area. Three women who had been struck by gunfire were transported to nearby hospitals by emergency services. Police later learned that another six people had also sustained injuries and had travelled to hospitals using private vehicles.Captain Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department confirmed that all nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.No suspects have been taken into custody and the investigation remains ongoing.The location of the shooting is approximately 4.6 miles from Swope Soccer Village, where England will train during the opening stages of the World Cup, according to The Independent. The team hotel is located considerably further away, with police noting that it sits roughly 15 miles from the scene.Officer Alayna Gonzalez emphasised that the shooting “did not occur near a World Cup venue or anything else World Cup-related”, including England’s base camp.
England were in Florida when the shooting happened
England’s players and staff were not in Kansas City at the time of the incident.Thomas Tuchel’s squad are currently based in Florida as part of their final preparations before travelling to Missouri for the tournament.On Saturday afternoon, England defeated New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa thanks to a goal from captain Harry Kane. They are scheduled to face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before flying to Kansas City on June 13.
England’s Nico O’Reilly, second from right, and teammates jog during a training session for the national soccer team in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Kansas City has become one of the most popular World Cup base camp locations because of its central position within the United States and the quality of its training facilities. Alongside England, Argentina, Algeria and the Netherlands have also selected the city as their tournament base.
England players jog during a training session for the national soccer team in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
England will train at Swope Soccer Village, home to Sporting Kansas City’s reserve and academy teams, while Argentina will use Sporting Kansas City’s main facility. The Netherlands will be based at the training centre used by the Kansas City Current.
Security already a major focus ahead of the World Cup
The incident comes as local authorities continue extensive preparations for the arrival of players, staff and supporters ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.According to KCTV5, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners recently accepted a $17 million federal grant dedicated to World Cup security and safety operations.“We knew we needed the funding, so we kept moving forward with the planning,” Kansas City Police Department Deputy Chief Derek McCollum said.“We figured eventually that funding source would come through.”Speaking last month in comments reported by the Daily Mail, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas acknowledged the security challenges facing major American cities but insisted visiting teams would receive extensive protection throughout the tournament.“I think the threats people are under are heightened frankly when almost everybody can walk around with a firearm, particularly one of high capacity,” Lucas said.“That’s a very real problem. In terms of what we’ll do there will be a strong law enforcement presence everywhere.“As for VIPs they will be the safest people in this city, in this country, not only with their own security teams but also enhanced security with help from local law enforcement.”
Mayor points to unlicensed venue
Following Saturday’s shooting, Lucas said the violence occurred at an unlicensed after-hours club operating in the area.In a Facebook post, the mayor criticised those involved in running such venues.“To irresponsible owners and promoters, I know the dollars seem worth it, but are the lives changed and too often lost and the lawsuits of some value to you too?” Lucas wrote.The shooting also affected nearby residents.Local resident Kate Fowler told the Kansas City Star that she and her husband woke up to find a bullet hole in the front window of their home. She later learned that gunfire had also been reported in the area between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday evening before the early-morning shooting.Fowler said hearing gunshots was not uncommon in the neighbourhood.“It’s just unfortunate circumstances with some of the businesses around here,” she told the newspaper.
Tournament preparations continue
Despite the incident, preparations for the World Cup continue across North America.Kansas City is one of several American cities playing a major role in the tournament and has invested heavily in security, infrastructure and logistics ahead of the arrival of thousands of supporters.For England, attention now turns to their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica before they make the journey to Missouri and begin preparations for their World Cup campaign.While police have repeatedly stressed that Saturday’s shooting had no connection to the tournament, the incident serves as a reminder of the extensive security operation surrounding an event expected to attract millions of visitors across the United States, Canada and Mexico over the coming weeks.
