England team has all shoes and equipment stolen before World Cup opener

The England national football team faced a major disruption to their World Cup 2026 preparations when their equipment and personal belongings, including all players' match shoes, were stolen. The incident occurred after a truck transporting the team's gear was broken into while traveling from their training base in Florida to their accommodation in Kansas City. Reports indicate the theft was extensive, leaving only a single football on the truck. Stolen items included tactical analysis equipment, massage tables, and the coach's whiteboard. The loss of all personal playing shoes is a particularly significant blow just days before their opening match. Security forces are investigating the incident, and two arrests have reportedly been made. There are suspicions that the drivers tasked with transporting the equipment may be involved or complicit in the theft. Team staff are urgently working to replace the stolen items and ensure the players have the necessary gear for their upcoming World Cup campaign. England is scheduled to play Croatia on June 18.