Nine people were injured in a shooting incident near England’s World Cup training base in Kansas City, Missouri, raising fresh security concerns just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to local authorities, gunfire erupted around 4 a.m. on Saturday along Troost Avenue, a short distance from the facilities designated for the England squad during the tournament. Police officers responding to emergency calls arrived to find a large crowd dispersing from the area.

The injured victims, including three women and six other adults, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said all injuries were non-life-threatening. No fatalities were reported.

Captain Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department said no arrests had been made as of Sunday, with investigators continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Additional patrols have also been deployed in the area as the investigation continues.

The incident occurred close to the training complex and accommodation facilities that will host the England national football team during the World Cup. However, the squad was not in Kansas City at the time, as players and staff were completing preparations in Palm Beach, Florida.

England are scheduled to arrive at their Kansas City base ahead of their Group L campaign, where they will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Authorities have not indicated any direct connection between the shooting and the tournament, but security around World Cup-related venues remains under close review. (The Sun)

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