World Cup 2026: Mass shooting near base camp in Kansas City, England leaves 9 injured before team arrives

A mass shooting in Kansas City left nine people injured just days before England arrived in the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading to renewed interest in security preparations surrounding the tournament.The authorities stressed that the incident was not related to the World Cup and did not occur near any tournament venue. However, the shooting occurred just a few miles from the planned training base in England, adding another layer of scrutiny to security arrangements ahead of football’s biggest event.All nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to survive.

The shooting took place near the future training base in England

According to Kansas City Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting near East 79th Street and Troost Street around 4 a.m.

On Saturday morning.When officers arrived, they found a large crowd dispersing from the area. Three women who were shot were taken to nearby hospitals by emergency services. Police later learned that six other people were also injured and taken to hospitals using private vehicles.Captain Jake Pecina of the Kansas City Police Department confirmed that all nine victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

No suspects have been arrested and the investigation is still ongoing.

The shooting location is approximately 4.6 miles from the Swope Football Village, where England will train during the opening stages of the World Cup, according to The Independent. The team hotel is much further away, with police indicating it is about 15 miles from the scene.

Officer Alina Gonzalez confirmed that the shooting “did not happen near one of the World Cup stadiums or anything else related to the World Cup,” including England’s base camp.

England was in Florida when the shooting occurred

The English players and staff were not in Kansas City at the time of the incident.Thomas Tuchel’s side are currently based in Florida as part of their final preparations before traveling to Missouri to participate in the tournament.On Saturday afternoon, England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa thanks to a goal from captain Harry Kane. They are scheduled to face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before traveling to Kansas City on June 13.

Kansas City has become one of the most popular World Cup base camp locations due to its central location within the United States and the quality of its training facilities. In addition to England, Argentina, Algeria and the Netherlands also chose the city as the venue for the tournament.

England will train at Swope Soccer Village, home of Sporting Kansas City’s reserve and academy team, while Argentina will use Sporting Kansas City’s main facility.

Holland will be based in the training center used by the current Kansas City team.

Security is already the main focus ahead of the World Cup

This incident comes as local authorities continue intense preparations for the arrival of players, staff and fans ahead of the expanded tournament that includes 48 teams.According to KCTV5, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners recently accepted a $17 million federal grant earmarked for World Cup safety and security operations.“We knew we needed funding, so we kept moving forward with planning,” Kansas City Police Department Deputy Chief Derek McCollum said.“We eventually figured out that a funding source would come along.”He spoke out last month in comments published by the Daily MailKansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas acknowledged the security challenges facing major US cities, but insisted that visiting teams would receive extensive protection throughout the tournament.“I think the threats to people frankly increase when almost everyone can walk around with a firearm, especially high-capacity weapons,” Lucas said.“This is a very real problem. In terms of what we’re going to do, there’s going to be a strong law enforcement presence everywhere.”“As for the VIPs, they will be the safest people in this city, in this country, not only with their own security teams, but also beefing up security with the help of local law enforcement.”

The mayor points out an unlicensed location

After the shooting on Saturday, Lucas said the violence occurred at an unlicensed after-hours club operating in the area.In a Facebook post, the mayor criticized those involved in managing such places.“For irresponsible owners and promoters, I know the dollars seem worth it, but do life changing and often losing lawsuits have some value to you too?” Lucas wrote.The shooting also affected nearby residents.Kate Fowler, a local resident, told the Kansas City Star She and her husband woke up to find a bullet hole in the front window of their house.

I later learned that a shooting had also been reported in the area between 10pm and 11pm on Friday evening before the early morning shooting.Fowler said hearing gunshots is not uncommon in the neighborhood.“It’s just unfortunate circumstances with some of the businesses here,” she told the newspaper.

Preparations for the tournament continue

Despite the incident, preparations for the World Cup continue across North America.Kansas City is one of several American cities that play a major role in the tournament, and has invested heavily in security, infrastructure and logistics before thousands of fans arrive.For England, attention now turns to the final friendly 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 incident was not related to the tournament, the incident serves as a reminder of the large-scale security operation surrounding the event that is expected to attract millions of visitors across the United States, Canada and Mexico in the coming weeks.