Texas Men Charged in Alleged England Team Equipment Theft Ahead of World Cup 2026

Authorities in Jackson County, Missouri, have filed felony charges against Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, both Texas residents, in connection with the alleged theft of equipment belonging to the England national football team. The incident reportedly occurred as the gear was being transported from the team's pre-tournament camp in Florida to its designated training facility at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The missing items, valued at approximately $18,000, included a range of essential team supplies such as football boots, goalkeeper gloves, training apparel, and even a World Cup match ball. Also reported stolen were signed England jerseys, electronics, and other team-specific memorabilia. According to court documents, the two accused individuals were involved in the transportation of this equipment.

Following an investigation, a substantial portion of the stolen property, including autographed jerseys and football boots, has since been recovered and returned to the England camp. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson emphasized that criminal acts targeting teams and visitors during the upcoming tournament would not be tolerated. The charges against Salik and Kamal, both Class D felonies, carry a potential prison sentence of up to seven years, with bond set at $75,000 for each.

Despite the incident, officials have indicated that the theft will not impede England's preparations or their campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, expanded to 48 teams, is set to kick off in June 2026.