America’s allies faced an unwelcome surprise ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In Kansas City, police have detained two individuals after an England soccer team’s van was targeted for theft just days before the highly anticipated tournament opener next Wednesday, as reported by ESPN.
Among the items reported stolen were boots meant for the squad’s star players, tournament balls, and other essential training gear, according to the Daily Mail.
It seems the British team wrapped up their pre-cup training in Palmback Gardens, Florida, on Thursday and is set to arrive in Kansas City this Saturday.
ESPN noted that while the soccer association’s logistics team was meeting at Swope Soccer Village, they discovered some training kits and other equipment were missing.
Reportedly, the Football Association is still figuring out the complete inventory of what was taken, while Kansas City police took two suspects into custody.
According to the Daily Mail, there was only one soccer ball left in the van, which raised concerns that key players, like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, might be missing their boots.
Kansas City police stated, “We are investigating possible theft of equipment as items may have been missing from the team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City tonight,” per ESPN.
The city’s mayor, Quinton Lucas, noted to KSHB 41 that the investigation could involve both federal and local authorities.
Lucas remarked, “My understanding is that this is probably an issue that extends far beyond Kansas City, but we’re going to make sure we get the important work done.”
He also mentioned he would let authorities determine whether the alleged crime took place in Kansas City or after the van departed Florida.
It appears there’s more to this than meets the eye, and the authorities are keen to uncover more details, involving both local and federal law enforcement.
England is set to make its World Cup debut next Wednesday in a Group L match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They’ll also compete against Ghana and Panama during the group stage.
Currently, their odds to win the Cup stand at +750 on DraftKings, ranking them third behind Spain at +450 and France at +475.
