England’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after a shipment of training equipment was stolen en route to the team’s base in Kansas City, just days before their tournament opener against Croatia.
The Football Association is assessing the extent of the losses after vehicles carrying equipment to Swope Soccer Village in Missouri were reportedly broken into before the squad arrived on Saturday. Training balls, boots and other essential gear are believed to have been taken.
The shipment had been transported from England’s pre-tournament camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, and was due to arrive ahead of the team’s first training session in Kansas City. Instead, FA officials were forced to take stock of the missing equipment and begin arranging replacements.
According to the Daily Mail, only one football remained from the targeted consignment. Boots belonging to England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham are feared to be among the stolen items.
“England were the victims of an audacious World Cup heist after the players’ match boots were stolen from a van before their first training session in Kansas City,” the report said.
It added: “Boots belonging to the team’s biggest stars were pinched along with official tournament balls and key training equipment. One football was left among the cargo that remained, while there are fears that the boots belonging to the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have also gone.”
The theft is understood to have extended beyond playing equipment. Analysis tools, whiteboards and massage tables were also part of the shipment, creating a significant logistical challenge for England’s backroom staff.
The timing could hardly be worse for manager Thomas Tuchel, whose side begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. Kansas City is set to serve as England’s group-stage base, with the opening days of their stay intended to help establish routines and finalise preparations for the tournament.
Instead, the focus has shifted to recovering the missing equipment and ensuring the disruption does not affect the team’s build-up to the competition.
The Daily Mail reported that security personnel suspect individuals involved in transporting the cargo may have played a role in the theft. The FA is working with local law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.
Police attended the scene on Friday night and, according to reports, have made two arrests in connection with the incident.
England’s players are expected to take part in their first full training session on Sunday as preparations continue for their World Cup opener against Croatia.
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