Nine people were injured in a mass shooting near England’s FIFA World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri, just days before the Three Lions are scheduled to arrive in the city for the tournament.
According to local authorities, police responded to reports of gunfire on Troost Avenue at around 4 a.m. on Saturday. The location is only a short drive from the training facility and team hotel that will be used by the England national football team during the World Cup.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a large crowd dispersing amid the chaos following the shooting.
Nine Adults Hospitalized After Kansas City Shooting
Kansas City Police Department Captain Jake Becchina confirmed that three adult women were initially transported to hospital with injuries. Authorities later revealed that a total of nine adults had been shot in the incident.
All victims were taken to various local hospitals for treatment. Officials stated that the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody. Police continue to investigate the shooting and maintain an increased presence in the area.
Incident Occurs Days Before England’s Arrival
The shooting comes less than a week before England are due to arrive in Kansas City for the World Cup.
The squad are currently based in Palm Beach, Florida, where they are completing their final preparations for the tournament. England recently secured a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in a warm-up match in Tampa and are set to face Costa Rica in Orlando before travelling to Missouri.
England are expected to arrive in Kansas City on June 13 and will remain there throughout the competition.
England’s World Cup Training Base in Kansas City
During the tournament, England will train at Swope Soccer Village, the home of Sporting Kansas City’s reserve and academy teams, located in the southeastern part of the city.
Kansas City is also hosting several other international teams during the World Cup. The Argentina national football team will use Sporting Kansas City’s primary training facility, while the Netherlands national football team will train at the Kansas City Current’s facility.
Despite the proximity of the shooting to England’s planned base, there has been no indication that the incident is connected to the tournament or any participating teams.
An FA spokesperson declined to comment on the matter when approached.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are appealing for information from witnesses. Further updates are expected as police work to identify those responsible.
The incident has raised concerns ahead of the arrival of thousands of football fans and international delegations in Kansas City for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
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