The English have got back a range of training equipment which was stolen from one of the teams vehicles a number of days before their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The theft took place in Kansas City, Missouri as the Football Association logistics were setting up the base of operations that the Three Lions would stay in for the duration of the World Cup tournament in Swope Soccer Village. A number of items of kit that had not been unpacked from the van were taken including trainers, signed shirts and other equipment for training.
Fortunately however the items were returned before the team took to the pitch for the first group game on Wednesday against Croatia. Two individuals, Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, were indicted and are facing charges of receiving stolen property, by the Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
This is a Class D felony in the State of Missouri which may lead to imprisonment for a term of not more than seven (7) years or less than one (1) year. Items returned included: 4 pairs of football boots, 5 pairs of trainers, 3 signed England shirts (each worth around $5,000), a World Cup match ball and other equipment including two training shirts. Items such as a speaker and a Nike Lego kit with Nike-branded characters included were also returned.
Despite the initial problem however, the team are ready for the World Cup tournament. Thomas Tuchel’s side flew from Florida, where they had completed a productive training camp featuring three wins against New Zealand, Costa Rica and Miami FC. The Three Lions play Croatia in their opening World Cup fixture, before taking on Ghana and Panama.
