The England national team was subjected to a theft involving some of its training equipment before its arrival in Kansas City on Saturday, as it prepares to compete in the 2026 World Cup.

The English Football Association is working to determine the exact nature of the stolen equipment, amid concerns that footballs and sports shoes may have been lost, after the vehicles transporting the equipment to the team’s training base at the Swope Soccer Village complex were broken into and robbed, according to media reports.

Coach Thomas Tuchel and the national team are scheduled to arrive in Kansas City on Saturday, although all equipment was originally expected to have already arrived at the training camp in advance.

Tuchel. (AFP)

Police intervened after the theft of England’s World Cup 2026 equipment

Police forces were present at the site on Friday evening to follow up on the case, in coordination with the English Football Association, while information indicates that more than one person has been detained in connection with the incident.

The theft could affect part of Thomas Tuchel’s preparations with the England national team ahead of their opening match in the 2026 World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday next week.

Tuchel. (AFP)

The England national team is expected to hold its first full training session on Sunday as part of its preparations for the highly anticipated World Cup match.

No official statement has been issued yet by the English Football Association, but sources close to the team have said that intensive efforts are underway to quickly replace the stolen equipment in order to avoid any disruption to preparations.

This theft comes just days after a shooting incident in which nine people suffered minor injuries near the team’s base in Kansas City.

England's Group at the 2026 World Cup

England will compete in Group 12 (Group L) at the 2026 World Cup alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.