A mass shooting in Kansas City has left nine people injured just days before England is scheduled to arrive in the city in 2026. FIFA World CupSignaling a renewed focus on security preparations around the tournament.Officials stressed that the incident was unrelated to the World Cup and did not occur near a tournament venue. Nevertheless, the shooting took place just a few miles from England’s planned training base, adding another layer of scrutiny to security ahead of football’s biggest event.All nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to survive.
The shooting took place near England’s future training base.
According to Kansas City police, officers responded to reports of a shooting near East 79th Street and Troost Avenue around 4 a.m. Saturday morning.When officers arrived, they found a large crowd dispersing from the area. Three women who sustained gunshot wounds were shifted to nearby hospitals by emergency services. Police later learned that six more people were also injured and had traveled to hospitals using private vehicles.All nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, confirmed Capt. Jack Bechina of the Kansas City Police Department.No suspects have been taken into custody and the investigation is ongoing.The shooting location is approximately 4.6 miles from the Soup Soccer Village where England will train during the opening stages of the World Cup. free The team hotel is located a short distance away, police noted, about 15 miles from the crime scene.Officer Alaina Gonzalez stressed that the shooting “did not happen near the World Cup venue or anything else related to the World Cup”, including England’s base camp.
England was in Florida at the time of the shooting.
England players and staff were not in Kansas City at the time of the incident.Thomas Tuchel’s squad is currently based in Florida as part of their final preparations before heading to Missouri for the tournament.England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa on Saturday afternoon 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 before the World Cup soccer tournament Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. I am jogging during the training session of the national football team. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Kansas City has become one of the most popular World Cup base camp locations due to its central position in the United States and the quality of its training facilities. Along with England, Argentina, Algeria and the Netherlands have also chosen the city as their tournament base.
England players before the World Cup soccer tournament on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. I am jogging during the training session of the national football team. (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. Nederland will be based at the training facility used by the Kansas City Currents.
There is already a big focus on security 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 48-team expansion 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 funding, so we moved forward with the plan,” said Kansas City Police Department Deputy Chief Derek McCollum.“We finally thought the funding source would come.”Speaking last month in comments reported by The Daily MailKansas City Mayor Quentin Lucas acknowledged the security challenges facing major U.S. cities but insisted visiting teams would have extensive security throughout the tournament.“I think the risks that people face are obviously heightened when almost anyone can walk around with a firearm, especially a high-caliber one,” Lucas said.“It’s a very real issue. What we’re going to do is have a strong law enforcement presence everywhere.“As far as the VIPs are concerned they will be the safest people in this city, in this country, not only with their own security teams, but with increased security with the help of local law enforcement.”
The mayor pointed to an unlicensed venue.
After Saturday’s shooting, Lucas said the violence happened at an unlicensed after-hours club operating in the area.In one Facebook postthe mayor criticized those involved in running such venues.“For irresponsible owners and promoters, I know the dollars are worth it, but are lives changed and often lost and you have some costly lawsuits?” Lucas wrote.Nearby residents were also affected by the firing.Local resident Kate Fowler said Kansas City Star That she and her husband woke up to find a bullet hole in the front window of their house. He later learned that prior to the early morning shooting, there had also been reports of firing in the area between 10 pm and 11 pm on Friday.Fowler said it’s not uncommon to hear gunshots in the neighborhood.“It’s just unfortunate circumstances with some of the businesses here,” he told the newspaper.
Preparations for the tournament are underway.
Despite the incident, preparations for the World Cup are continuing throughout North America.Kansas City is one of several US cities playing a major role in the tournament and has invested heavily in security, infrastructure and logistics ahead of the arrival of thousands of fans.For England, the focus now turns to their final warm-up match against Costa Rica before they travel to Missouri and begin preparations for their World Cup campaign.While police have repeatedly stressed that Saturday’s shooting was unrelated to the tournament, the incident serves as a reminder of the extensive security operation surrounding an event that is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the United States, Canada and Mexico in the coming weeks.
