World Cup 2026 Soccer England delaying World Cup trip to Mexico City over spying fears By Christian Arnold Published July 2, 2026, 8:32 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google England is not taking any chances ahead of their Round of 16 match against Mexico, opting to remain in their base camp in Kansas City out of an abundance of caution in order to keep their tactical preparation well guarded.
Both The Times and the Daily Mail reported Thursday that Thomas Tuchel decided his club would not leave for Mexico City ahead of their showdown with Mexico on Sunday until Friday, with both outlets indicating at least part of the decision was based on concerns over being spied on.
England has been using the Swope Soccer Village as their base during the World Cup and there are extensive security measures in place, with local police and security guards stationed around the perimeter during training sessions, the Daily Mail reported.
England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel gestures during his team’s 2-1 win over Congo DR during a World Cup round of 32 match in Atlanta on July 1, 2026. AFP via Getty Images The Times also reported that Kansas City police have put in place anti-drone measures and are using “hunter-catcher drones” in order to intercept illegally operated drones around the area.
Spying is not uncommon in soccer and English football was rocked by a scandal earlier this year when a Southampton staffer was caught filming a training session of Middlesbrough ahead of a Championship play-off matchup.
And in 2024, the Canadian women’s national team was found to have been using a drone to spy on New Zealand before a match between the two sides at the Paris Olympics.
The other reported reasons for the decision by England were the altitude, with Estadio Azteca sitting at 7,200 feet above sea level, as well as concerns that Mecican fans will try to disturb the English team in a similar way that they did to Ecuador.
Mexico defeated Ecuador in the Round of 32 in front of a raucous crowd, but Mexican fans had also set off fireworks, blasted air horns, drums and music, and revved motorbikes outside Ecuador’s hotel in the early morning hours.
Harry Kane (left) celebrates with teammate Jude Bellingham after scoring a goal in England’s Round of 32 win over Congo DR. Getty Images Tuchel told reporters that England “will expect” the same treatment.
“But what can we do? Maybe we will bring earplugs. I expect everything,” he said.
Nevertheless, for Ecuador, it was so bad that the country’s football federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA over the whole situation.
“This conduct is far removed from the principles of fair play, equality and unity that a football World Cup should represent,” the federation said in a statement.
