England's match boots stolen en route to Kansas City World Cup base as FIFA defends empty seats

England’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup were disrupted after match boots and balls were stolen from a team vehicle as Thomas Tuchel’s squad travelled from Florida to Kansas City, Missouri on Friday. The Kansas City Police Department confirmed two suspects have been apprehended pending further investigation.

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

The incident adds an unwanted distraction for England as they settle into their Missouri base ahead of their opening World Cup fixtures.

Off the pitch, FIFA has been forced to defend the growing number of empty seats seen across the tournament’s opening days. The governing body issued a statement after thousands of vacant seats were visible during South Korea’s 2-1 Group A victory over the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, claiming some fans “stood in concourses rather than in their assigned seat.” The explanation has done little to quiet criticism of FIFA’s ticket pricing for the tournament.

On the field, co-hosts USA delivered the most emphatic statement of the early rounds, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles to ignite genuine belief in a deep run on home soil. Manager Mauricio Pochettino had spent the build-up fielding questions about whether his side could win the tournament outright, and the commanding victory has only amplified those expectations.

Elsewhere on day two, Canada were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, substitute Cyle Larin rescuing a point after a difficult afternoon that also saw head coach Jesse Marsch draw criticism from home supporters for his animated rendition of the American national anthem.

Scotland, meanwhile, are set to make their first appearance at a men’s World Cup in 28 years when they face Haiti later on Friday.