England's match boots and tournament balls stolen before World Cup opener against Croatia

England’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup were disrupted on Friday after match boots and official tournament balls were stolen from a team vehicle in Kansas City, with local police confirming two individuals have been apprehended as the investigation continues.

The theft occurred while staff were transporting equipment from England’s pre-tournament base in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, where the squad was due to arrive on Saturday. The players travelled separately and were not involved in the incident.

“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” Kansas City police said. “The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”

England were scheduled to hold their first full training session in Kansas City on Sunday as they build towards their tournament opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have used their time in Florida to sharpen their preparations, beating New Zealand and Costa Rica — the latter 3-0 in Orlando on Wednesday, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice all featuring. Ivan Toney then scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 behind-closed-doors win over Miami United FC, with Jordan Henderson, Rio Ngumoha and Ethan Nwaneri also on the scoresheet. Ngumoha and Nwaneri were not included in England’s final 26-man squad and were set to return home before the squad departed for Missouri.

Kansas City is serving as a hub for several World Cup nations. Defending champions Argentina, the Netherlands and Algeria are also based in the area during the group stage.