England Team Gear Stolen
Kansas City Police Investigate Theft of England's Training Equipment Before Team Arrival
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Kansas City police are investigating the theft of England's training equipment just hours before the squad was due to arrive at their World Cup base, ITV News reported. The Football Association confirmed an incident occurred but declined to give further details, citing an active police investigation.
The equipment was being transported roughly 1,200 miles from England's pre-tournament camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, according to ARN News Centre. Kansas City Missouri Police Department confirmed two suspects were taken into custody pending further investigation.
Equipment Stolen During 1,200-Mile Transit from Florida
England wrapped up their Florida warm-weather camp with a friendly against Costa Rica on June 10. FA logistics teams then began the long road haul to Missouri. The theft is believed to have happened overnight on June 12, either at a transit stop or upon arrival at the Swope Soccer Village perimeter, according to Freedom 96.9.
FA staff reportedly discovered the theft early on Saturday morning while unloading vehicles. Items said to be missing include players' boots, tournament match balls, analysis laptops, and medical supplies. England's first training session at Swope Soccer Village was still scheduled for Saturday afternoon, ITV News reported.
Two Suspects in Custody as Police Probe Possible Inside Job
Kansas City Missouri Police Department confirmed: "We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation." Investigators are reportedly looking at whether the transport drivers had inside knowledge of the cargo's contents and value.
The stolen items carry a significant price tag. Elite match boots cost $280–$350 per pair. With 26 players and multiple pairs each, boot losses alone could exceed $15,000. Official 2026 World Cup match balls are valued at $160 each, and reports suggest only a single ball was left untouched in the cargo.
England Forced to Train at Public Facility After Argentina Took Priority Venue
The theft adds to existing security concerns at Swope Soccer Village. England had hoped for a more private base, but Argentina exercised their right to claim the Sporting Kansas City performance center — a more secluded facility — leaving England with the public-access Swope park. The FA had planned to install privacy screens and fencing to compensate.
Those privacy measures were still being installed when the theft occurred. Kansas City allocated over $100 million in security funding for the World Cup, pledging safety as its "first, second, and third priority." England faces Croatia on June 17 in Dallas in their opening Group L match, giving the FA little time to replace stolen gear.
FA Scrambles for Replacements as Tuchel's Preparations Take a Hit
England manager Thomas Tuchel relies heavily on video analysis and performance data. Reports suggest stolen laptops may have contained customized software and historical match data — a serious blow to his data-driven coaching approach. FA logistics teams are working to source replacement equipment before Saturday's first training session, according to Dubai Eye 103.8.
Players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane use custom-fitted boots broken in over months of training. Off-the-shelf replacements — even identical models — can cause blisters and discomfort. The FA has not yet confirmed what was taken or issued a full inventory of the missing items, with the investigation still ongoing.
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