England's World Cup 2026 Preparation Hit by Equipment Theft in US
Published June 13, 2026
England's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been marred by an unusual incident, as essential training equipment and player boots were reportedly stolen en route to their Kansas City base.
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The Three Lions' journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America has encountered an unexpected hurdle before a single ball has been kicked in anger. Reports indicate that the team's logistical convoy, transporting gear from Florida to Kansas City, was targeted by thieves, resulting in the loss of crucial training equipment and multiple pairs of player boots.
The incident, confirmed by the Football Association (FA), occurred as the team's vehicles traveled from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, towards their designated training facility at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City. It was upon arrival in Missouri on Friday, June 12, that the FA's support staff discovered the extent of the theft, which reportedly included match-day boots for several players and official tournament balls. England is set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Thursday, June 18, in what will be one of the 48-team tournament's early fixtures across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
While an investigation is actively underway to ascertain the full inventory of stolen items, initial reports suggest a significant haul, with some outlets claiming only a single football was left behind. Unconfirmed information circulating points to the boots of key players, including captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, potentially being among the missing kit. This bizarre setback comes just as the squad was scheduled to commence their first training sessions in Kansas City on June 13, forcing a disruption to their meticulously planned build-up for the global showpiece event.