World Cup 2026 Soccer Two arrested as England gear stolen just ahead of World Cup 2026 debut By Matt Ehalt Published June 13, 2026, 7:58 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google America’s allies across the pond received a rude welcoming for World Cup 2026.
The England soccer team had items from a van stolen days ahead of their World Cup opener next Wednesday, with Kansas City police arresting two individuals, according to ESPN.
The swiped goods includes Boots for some of the team’s top players, tournament balls and other “key training equipment,” per the Daily Mail.
England’s Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers and Dan Burn during training. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters The Brits reportedly wrapped up their pre-Cup training in Palm Bach Gardens, Fla. on Thursday, with the team slated to fly to Kansas City on Saturday.
Sources told ESPN that the Football Association’s logistical team had been getting every together at the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City when they noticed a training kit and other items not present.
The Football Association is reportedly still determining what exactly has been lifted, and Kansas City police took two individuals into custody.
The Daily Mail further reported that only one soccer ball was left in the van and there were “fears” that Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham had their boots stolen.
“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” the Kansas City police department said in a statement, per ESPN.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas told KSHB 41 that his understanding is the investigation will include federal and local authorities.
England’s James Trafford during training. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters “My understanding is this maybe something where the issues are far beyond Kansas City, but we’ll make sure we do important work,” Lucas said Friday to KSHB 41.
He added that he will leave it to the authorities to say whether the alleged crime happened in Kansas City or somewhere after the van left Florida.
Said Lucas: “It seems as if there might have be some occurrence much farther afield from us, but we’ll try to learn all about it and we’ll allow local and federal law enforcement to take a more full look.”
England makes its World Cup debut against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, next Wednesday in a Group L match, and they will also clash with Ghana and Panama in pool play.
Their +750 odds to win the Cup at DraftKings rank third, behind Spain (+450) and France (+475).
