World Cup security scare as nine injured in mass shooting near England camp

A major security concern has hit the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after nine people were injured in a mass shooting near the training base where England will be stationed during the early stages of the tournament in Kansas City.

The shooting occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday on Troost Avenue, Kansas City, just days before the England squad is expected to arrive in the city.

Police said officers were dispatched to the area after reports of gunshots. On arrival, they found a large crowd dispersing from the scene.

Three adult women who sustained injuries at the location were immediately taken to a local hospital by emergency services.

Authorities later confirmed that nine adults had presented at different hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries linked to the shooting.

No suspect has been arrested, but police said officers are continuing to patrol the area heavily as investigations continue.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over security arrangements for the World Cup, as Troost Avenue is about four miles from the hotel and training base England will use during the tournament.

England will train at Swope Soccer Village, the home of Sporting Kansas City’s reserve team and academy, during the opening phase of the competition.

The Three Lions are expected to arrive in Kansas City on June 13 after completing part of their World Cup preparations in Florida.

The team recently played New Zealand in Tampa, winning their first World Cup warm-up friendly 1-0 through a goal from captain Harry Kane. They are also scheduled to face Costa Rica on Wednesday at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando before travelling to Kansas City.

A local resident, Kate Fowler, who lives close to Troost Avenue, said she woke up to find a bullet hole in the front of her home and a stray bullet inside her living room. She later shared images of the damage and the bullet shell on Facebook.

The shooting comes amid wider concerns about gun violence in Kansas City. The city recorded 138 homicides in 2025, a drop from the record 185 recorded in 2023.

Ahead of the World Cup, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners has accepted a $17 million federal grant for tournament security and safety.

Kansas City Police Department Deputy Chief Derek McCollum said the funding was needed to support security planning for the tournament.

“We knew we needed the funding, so we kept moving forward with the planning. We figured eventually that funding source would come through,” he said.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas had earlier assured that the England team and other World Cup visitors would be well protected during the tournament.

“I think the threats people are under are heightened frankly when almost everybody can walk around with a firearm, particularly one of high capacity,” Lucas said.

“That’s a very real problem. In terms of what we’ll do, there will be a strong law enforcement presence everywhere.

“As for VIPs, they will be the safest people in this city, in this country, not only with their own security teams but also enhanced security with help from local law enforcement.”

Apart from England, other national teams will also use Kansas City facilities during the World Cup.

Argentina will use Sporting Kansas City’s main training facility, while the Netherlands will train at the base used by Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League.

The shooting is likely to intensify scrutiny on security preparations in World Cup host cities, particularly in the United States, where concerns about gun violence remain a major issue ahead of the tournament.