Shooting reported close to England’s World Cup base
A shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, has raised concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nine people were injured in the incident, which happened around four miles from Swope Soccer Village. The venue has been chosen as England’s base camp for the tournament.
According to NDTV Sports, citing Reuters, none of the injuries were life-threatening. However, at least three people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Kansas City police are still investigating the shooting. No arrests have been made.
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England team not in Kansas City yet
England’s players and staff were not in Kansas City when the shooting happened.
The squad is expected to arrive closer to the start of the World Cup. The Football Association declined to comment on the incident, according to Reuters.
Although the shooting was not connected to the England team, its location has drawn attention because it happened close to an important World Cup facility.
Security questions before the tournament
The incident has added to concerns about safety at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Major international tournaments always require strong security plans. However, the shooting in Kansas City has put extra focus on what organisers will do to protect players, staff and supporters.
Gun violence is also a wider issue in the United States. According to NDTV, Reuters cited figures from the Gun Violence Archive showing that the country recorded more than 400 mass shootings in 2025.
England continue their preparations
England are still preparing for the tournament, despite the concerns raised by the incident.
The squad includes several of the country’s biggest names, such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
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England are also scheduled to play a warm-up match against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday.
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest edition of the tournament so far. It will include 48 nations, 1,248 players and 104 matches across three host countries.
England’s group stage fixtures
England will play in Group L at the 2026 World Cup.
Their group stage schedule is:
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- June 17: Croatia at Dallas Stadium
- June 23: Ghana in Boston
- June 27: Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium
Safety expected to be a key issue
The shooting near England’s planned base camp was not linked to the team. Still, it has highlighted the security challenges facing organisers before the World Cup.
As the tournament approaches, there will be more pressure on officials to show that fans, players and staff can feel safe throughout the event.
Sources: NDTV Sports
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