Scotland are counting down the hours until they play their first men’s World Cup match in 28 years while England were the victims of theft ahead of their arrival to their training base in Kansas City, with some of the team’s boots and balls stolen.
Later tonight, the Tartan Army’s will make their long-awaited return against Haiti, with their opening clash in Boston potentially crucial to their chances of getting through to the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, local police have apprehended two individuals after a theft at the England camp just five days before their opening game against Croatia. None of the pieces of equipment were irreplaceable or essential for elite performance, while England staff have already been able to recover some of the missing items.
"We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” police said. “Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”
Fifa has also defended the swathes of empty seats in South Korea’s opening-day win against the Czech Republic by insisting that some fans “stood in concourses rather than in their assigned seat.”
Follow all of the latest news and more with our live blog below
World Cup 2026 - latest
- Scotland building up to first men's World Cup match in 28 years against Haiti
- England hit by training kit theft ahead of Kansas City arrival
- Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats
- Ghana official releases statement after Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada
- Lawrence Ostlere: USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams
- Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
Scotland v Haiti: Predict the score!
18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Andy Robertson: Scotland squad 'like Christmas Eve' before World Cup return
17:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland captain Andy Robertson said the mood around the squad was like “Christmas Eve” ahead of their World Cup return against Haiti tonight.
Speaking to BBC Sport last night, the Scotland captain said: "We're on the eve of it and in the team hotel it feels like Christmas Eve when you're a little kid. It's an incredible stadium, an incredible thing to be part of.
“I'm just so proud of everyone, all 26 who are going to be able to participate. We've been through so much in our lives and careers to be able to be here at this point and we're now right on the edge of it.
“It just feels so special and it feels the Denmark game was an age ago and we've waited so long for it and tomorrow's so close. All the preparation's done and we're ready to go.”
Scotland's pre-World Cup form: Goals, goals, goals!
17:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland warmed up for the World Cup by scoring four goals in back-to-back games.
A 4-1 victory over 10-player Curacao at Hampden sent Scotland off to the United States in style, where they also beat Bolivia 4-0 in their final game before the big-kick.
Lawrence Shankland scored twice against Curacao, with youngster Findlay Curtis getting on the scoresheet too. Shankland scored again in the win over Boliva, while Che Adams got himself a brace.
Unlike their previous two major tournament appearances, Scotland’s forwards have found some form...
Scotland's previous tournament openers: Germany humbling
17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland returned to full crowds at Euro 2024, with the Tartan Army travelling to Germany in their thousands in a memorable tournament... off the pitch.
On it, Scotland were dire, perhaps the worst side at the Euros. Things got off to a bad start when they faced Germany in Munich, going down to 10 men early on and losing 5-1 to the hosts.
“Don’t get humped,” Steve Clarke replied when asked what he learned from that one...
Scotland's previous tournament openers: Hampden defeat
17:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland made their return to a major men’s tournament when they played Czech Republic at Hampden in their opening match of Euro 2020, in front of a crowd limited by the after-effects of the Covid pandemic.
And Scotland’s return fell a little flat, losing to the Czechs 2-0. That match is best remembered by Patrik Schick’s goal from the halfway line, which beat the unfortunate David Marshall.
Kenny McLean got his own back a few years later....
Scotland's Steve Clarke on respecting 'attacking, dynamic' Haiti
16:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland have been warned that they can’t take Haiti lightly before meeting in Boston tonight. Haiti are one of the lowest-ranked sides at the tournament, but Scotland can hardly afford to be dismissive of anyone...
“It's important we respect the opposition, make sure we're properly prepared, we play to the best of our ability and see what the result is,” Steve Clarke said.
“We've watched Haiti very closely, we respect their abilities on the pitch. Since they've qualified, they've improved the squad.
“We think we know how they'll play. We think we know their system. They have very dynamic players, especially the attacking players so we have to be careful.”
Preview: Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
16:33 , Richard Jolly in Boston
A couple of years ago, the slogan, at least outside the dressing room, was “No Scotland, no party”. Now it is different. The core of Andy Robertson’s message was “no regrets”.
No man has captained Scotland in more games, nor led them in three major tournaments. But the first two have provided disappointment. Instead of no regrets, there were no wins. Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024, but it was a false start for them, walloped 5-1 by Germany. Performances were more respectable in Euro 2020 but the outcome was the same: one point apiece.
Now the objective is to go one better and win a game, to do something that has eluded every previous Scotland side and reach the knockout stages of a tournament.
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Scotland's possible line-up vs Haiti: Shankland up top?
16:18 , Jamie Braidwood
If Steve Clarke goes for 4-4-2, this is likely the team he will go for. Angus Gunn has not played much this season but was crucial for Scotland in November. Aaron Hickey is back fit and his return is welcome. It’s a toss-up between John Souttar and Jack Hendry at centre-back, with captain Andy Robertson at left-back.
Billy Gilmour is out of the World Cup so Lewis Ferguson takes charge of midfeild, along with Scott McTominay. Ben Gannon-Doak brings pace, and John McGinn can come off the wing. It may mean Ryan Christie misses out from the start.
That’s because Lawrence Shankland is in form and Clarke has figured out a way to play the striker next to Che Adams, who can drop deeper.
Possible Scotland XI: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland
Scotland's team news: Scott McTominay set to be fit for opener
16:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Steve Clarke said Scott McTominay would be available after an upset stomach but central defender Scott McKenna was out with a calf injury. On McTominay, Clarke said the Napoli midfielder was “perfect” and confirmed he was “ready to go”.
He nevertheless sought to relieve the pressure on McTominay to be the matchwinner.
“I think I have 26 superstars here,” he said. “If you try and put so much on to one player is not fair. Some daft coach put him as a centre-half five years ago, obviously he's not a centre-half.”
Scotland v Haiti: Don't forget the game is tonight!
15:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Kick-off time is 9pm ET on Saturday 13 June, in Boston!
In the UK, kick-off is 2am BST on Sunday 14 June.
You want to make sure you get that right.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1.10am BST, or stream it live on BBC iPlayer.
Viewers in the US can watch the game on Fox.
Is Scotland vs Haiti on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup game
‘The whole world knows Arda now’: How Guler became Turkey’s great World Cup hope
15:36 , Lawrence Ostlere in Los Angeles
The boy who supported Fenerbahce played for them before a dream move to Real Madrid aged 18. Now the incredibly talented and hugely popular 21-year-old carries the weight of a nation at the World Cup
‘The whole world knows Arda now’: How Guler became Turkey’s great World Cup hope
Vote: Are hydration breaks ruining the World Cup spectacle?
15:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
14:52 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles
“This hydration break is powered by Powerade,” roared Fox Sports commentator Ian Darke, as the first game of the World Cup stopped after 24 minutes so players could take on water. The temperature in Mexico City was 23C, constituting a relatively mild day in the Mexican summer. But if we’ve learnt one thing over the past few weeks, it’s that this is not a tournament to miss out on a fast buck.
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
14:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
The World Cup is back on a bigger scale than ever – and the World Cup Insider newsletter is your daily guide to the biggest stories, results and analysis as the tournament unfolds. Our sports team, including Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly, Lawrence Ostlere and Kieran Jackson, will be reporting from across the United States throughout the tournament, bringing you fresh analysis, exclusive insight and on-the-ground reporting directly from the games.Each edition includes:
- A roundup of the biggest talking points and standout moments from overnight
- The stories, analysis and features you may have missed
- A look ahead to the day's key matches and storylines
- The latest episode of our World Cup podcast Copa Independent
- Insight and reporting from our correspondents on the ground
- Reactions and debate from fans around the world
Sign up to World Cup Insider here.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental immigrant leading USA’s World Cup charge
14:19 , Lawrence Ostlere in Los Angeles
There is little evidence about Folarin Balogun’s political beliefs and we should resist the urge to assign some. But there is a delicious irony in his emergence as the hero of USA’s opening World Cup 2026 game. At a time when Donald Trump’s administration is actively using the tournament to flaunt its strong-arm approach to border control, flexing against fans, players, staff and even celebrated Somali referees, a Londoner of Nigerian heritage seems like the poster boy for a very different story of America.
Folarin Balogun is the accidental immigrant leading USA’s World Cup charge
Fifa’s weather protocol for World Cup 2026 with risk of long delays due to lightning strikes
14:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Matches at the World Cup could face long weather delays if thunderstorms strike in close proximity to the stadiums in use.
The tournament – co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – is being held in the peak of storm season in parts of the countries, with strict rules in place for lightning in the US particularly.
The weather, including the threat of lightning, already played a role in preparation for the tournament, with England’s friendly with Costa Rica delayed by an hour after heavy rain and the prospect of lightning in the Orlando area.
World Cup 2026 matches face prospect of long delays due to lightning
Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
13:47 , Alan Smith
The World Cup 2026 is beginning to find its rhythm with the remaining co-hosts getting their campaigns underway on day two - 2,210 miles apart.
Canada battled back to draw 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto thanks to substitute Cyle Larin after a tepid opening ceremony and an angry reaction to the sight of their American head coach Jesse Marsch heartily singing the anthem.
After then it was the turn of the USA, the primary hosts of this tournament, who got their campaign underway with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
A busy day expected in New York with Brazil v Morocco, and Knicks!
13:39 , Chris Wilson, in New York
Barriers are already going up at Penn Station ahead of thousands of fans making their way to the MetLife Stadium for Brazil v Morocco this evening.
An attendant said they’re expecting ‘chaos’ as there's also a concert at Madison Square Gardens, and a Knicks watch party this evening.
A few Morocco and Brazil fans are dotted around the station already, even ten hours ahead of kick-off.
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USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
13:25 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles
Mauricio Pochettino had spent the past few days summoning belief in what the USA might achieve in the face of scepticism. Can they win the World Cup, he was repeatedly asked, to which his stock response was: “Why not? We can dream.” After this hugely impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, perhaps Pochettino’s task now is to manage inflated expectations, to temper America’s wildest dreams.
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
England team hit by theft of boots and balls before World Cup opener
13:10 , Jamie Braidwood
England have suffered a theft of training equipment ahead of their arrival to their World Cup training base in Kansas City, with items that include the team’s match boots and official tournament balls stolen on Friday.
Local police are investigating the incident, which came as team staff were in transit from their pre-tournament base in Florida to the Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, where the England players are due to arrive on Saturday. Police confirmed two individuals have been apprehended while the investigation continues.
England team hit by theft of boots and balls before World Cup opener
Last night at World Cup: More empty seats as Fifa reckon fans too keen on concourses
12:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Having blamed vacant seats during the opening night encounter between South Korea and Czechia on fans choosing to stay on the concourse in Guardalajara, Fifa big wigs will have spotted hundreds of empty spots in Toronto, the tournament’s smallest venue with a capacity of just over 45,000.
The official attendance was given as 43,008, with swathes of empty rows in the most expensive areas during the start of the first half as those who had paid top dollar chose to, it would seem, enjoy some refreshments rather than the action.
Toronto saw more empty seats despite excitement surrounding Canada, while SoFi Stadium even had a sprinkle of empty seats before the USA hammered Paraguay.
Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats
Ghana official releases statement after Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada
12:37 , Kieran Jackson
Ghana sports minister Kofi Adams has derided the “flimsy” grounds on which Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada for the 2026 World Cup and has urged a review of the decision.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder will, as it stands, miss Ghana’s World Cup opener on Wednesday against Panama in Toronto after being denied a Canadian visa.
The 33-year-old has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police and is awaiting trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Ghana’s government has since expressed “strong reservations” following the “high-handed and extremely unfair” decision to refuse the midfielder a visa to enter Canada.
Ghana official releases statement after Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup
Who won the World Cup battle of the three opening ceremonies?
12:25 , Caitlin Hornik in New York
Shakira, Michael Bublé or Katy Perry? This year’s World Cup tournament boasted not one but three opening ceremonies – but which nation commanded the most star power?
Who won the World Cup battle of the three opening ceremonies?
How ‘brand Brazil’ lost its shine as World Cup’s defining team
12:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Brazil’s iconic shirt is no longer the must have fashion item for a World Cup, writes Alan Smith, as Carlo Ancelotti’s ageing core struggle to match identity of joga bonito
How ‘brand Brazil’ lost its shine as World Cup’s defining team
Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil are a perfect fit but it may not solve their biggest issue
12:01 , Richard Jolly
While Carlo Ancelotti appears to be the right man to get the best out of a seasoned Brazil squad, its wider deficiencies may be too much to overcome as the Selecao search for a sixth star
Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil are a perfect fit but it may not solve their biggest issue
World Cup injury tracker: Neymar, Lamine Yamal and Christian Pulisic latest updates
11:49 , Kieran Jackson
Neymar looks set to miss Brazil’s 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco on Saturday.
The 34-year-old, who has not played for the national team in nearly three years, was a somewhat surprising inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in North America.
However, Neymar immediately sustained a grade two calf injury and while recovery is ongoing, the forward is unlikely to feature in New York on Saturday afternoon.
World Cup injury tracker: Neymar, Yamal and Pulisic latest updates
Tartan Army and celebrities start party ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years
11:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher were among the big names to arrive in Boston ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.
A host of celebrities and the Tartan Army have arrived in the Massachusetts capital with celebrations already beginning ahead of the team’s first match.
The team’s Group C opener against Haiti is on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.
Tartan Army start celebrations ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years
Scotland handed major World Cup boost as Scott McTominay returns to training after illness
11:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Scott McTominay has rejoined the Scotland squad for training in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday.
The Napoli midfielder had missed Thursday’s session at the team’s Charlotte, North Carolina base due to an upset stomach.
Following the training session, Steve Clarke’s squad flew to Boston, with reports indicating the 29-year-old travelled separately with a doctor as a precautionary measure.
McTominay is a pivotal figure for Scotland, who are making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and will be crucial to their ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Steve Clarke said McTominay would be available on Saturday after an upset stomach but central defender Scott McKenna was out with a calf injury.
Scotland handed World Cup boost as Scott McTominay returns to training after illness
Gareth Southgate lookalikes gather for competition as World Cup kicks off
11:02 , Holly Bishop
As the World Cup 2026 kicks off, a group of Gareth Southgate lookalikes gathered to commiserate the first tournament in 10 years without the former England manager at the helm.
Participants ranging from casual fans to professional lookalikes descended on a south London pub wearing their finest waistcoats to deliver their best Southgate impersonations.
The Independent spoke to the contestants vying for the coveted golden waist coat and a £100 bar tab.
Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
10:56 , Jamie Braidwood
The World Cup is back on a bigger scale than ever – and the World Cup Insider newsletter is your daily guide to the biggest stories, results and analysis as the tournament unfolds. Our sports team, including Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly, Lawrence Ostlere and Kieran Jackson, will be reporting from across the United States throughout the tournament, bringing you fresh analysis, exclusive insight and on-the-ground reporting directly from the games.Each edition includes:
- A roundup of the biggest talking points and standout moments from overnight
- The stories, analysis and features you may have missed
- A look ahead to the day's key matches and storylines
- The latest episode of our World Cup podcast Copa Independent
- Insight and reporting from our correspondents on the ground
- Reactions and debate from fans around the world
Sign up to World Cup Insider here.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
Predict the score: Scotland v Haiti
10:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Preview: Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
10:16 , Richard Jolly in Boston
A couple of years ago, the slogan, at least outside the dressing room, was “No Scotland, no party”. Now it is different. The core of Andy Robertson’s message was “no regrets”.
No man has captained Scotland in more games, nor led them in three major tournaments. But the first two have provided disappointment. Instead of no regrets, there were no wins. Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024, but it was a false start for them, walloped 5-1 by Germany. Performances were more respectable in Euro 2020 but the outcome was the same: one point apiece.
Now the objective is to go one better and win a game, to do something that has eluded every previous Scotland side and reach the knockout stages of a tournament. “We want to do something special,” said Steve Clarke, a manager who often deals in cautious rhetoric allowing himself to dream.
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Today at the World Cup: Welcome back, Scotland 🏴
09:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Scotland begin their first World Cup since 1998 against minnows Haiti later, with fans already dreaming of a third-place finish that should be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages.
Five-time champions Brazil and controversial Afcon winners Morocco - who were both in Scotland’s last World Cup group, 28 years ago - likely have the top two automatic qualifying spots from Group C sewn up.
But anything can happen in tournament football and Steve Clarke’s side will look to capitalise on any slip-ups - but first need to get past Haiti, who are ranked 40 places below them and appearing at their first World Cup since 1974.
Is Scotland vs Haiti on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup game
Last night at the World Cup: James Corden called 'full-kit w***er' on TV
09:36 , Caitlin Hornik in New York
World Cup 2026 analyst Alexi Lalas left his fellow Fox panelists stunned after hurling a profane insult at James Corden on live television.
During Friday’s World Cup coverage on Fox, a video package played advertising FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden, after which Lalas was asked his thoughts on the divisive TV host.
“Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” presenter Rebecca Lowe asked.
Lalas was first to jump in, responding, “What do you guys call them? A ... full kit w*****, right?”
A “full kit w*****” is slang used to mock an adult who wears the complete professional playing uniform — including the jersey, shorts, and socks — outside of actually playing a match.
Moment of the World Cup so far?
Last night at the World Cup: Christian Pulisic doubt hangs over rampant USA
09:16 , Jamie Braidwood
The performance was magnificent, confidence is growing, if not overspilling, with the raucous scenes outside SoFi Stadium showing a host nation already dreaming of a remarkable challenge to win it all.
But no matter the encouraging displays all over the pitch in Los Angeles, Christian Pulisic remains the heartbeat to this side, representing the X-factor, and his withdrawal at the break provides a telling reminder about the fragility of his importance to the USMNT. His availability moving forward is in doubt and provides a challenge for Pochettino to carefully manage his workload and keep the USA on course for a deep run.
"He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” said Pochettino. “We didn't want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.”
Christian Pulisic injury update after USA’s perfect World Cup start - latest
Last night at the World Cup: Folarin Balogun makes Golden Boot case?
08:56 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s early, sure, but the only man in the tournament so far with two goals is Folarin Balogun, who now has a great shot at winning the Golden Boot by leading the line for the USA. His form, too, suggests potential for more joy against Australia and Turkey.
The connection with Christian Pulisic, who endured an injury scare with his half-time withdrawal, is magnificent, while the USA’s energy and commitment to get runners in and around the Monaco man ensures he has enough space to thrive.
Last night at World Cup: More empty seats as Fifa reckon fans too keen on concourses
08:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Having blamed vacant seats during the opening night encounter between South Korea and Czechia on fans choosing to stay on the concourse in Guardalajara, Fifa big wigs will have spotted hundreds of empty spots in Toronto, the tournament’s smallest venue with a capacity of just over 45,000.
The official attendance was given as 43,008, with swathes of empty rows in the most expensive areas during the start of the first half as those who had paid top dollar chose to, it would seem, enjoy some refreshments rather than the action.
Toronto saw more empty seats despite excitement surrounding Canada, while SoFi Stadium even had a sprinkle of empty seats before the USA hammered Paraguay.
Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats
Last night at the World Cup: Thomas Partey barred from entering Canada for Ghana’s opener
07:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Thomas Partey will not play for Ghana in their Group L opener against Panama in Toronto in the early hours of Thursday having been denied entry into Canada owing to the former Arsenal midfielder awaiting trial for a number of sex offences, all of which he denies.
The now Villarreal player has been granted entry to the US, meaning he will be able to feature against England in their second game, in Boston, on Tuesday, June 23, and the group concluder versus Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 27.
Fifa said in a statement that “Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp ... to Canada for their first match against Panama ... as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.”
Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup game over rape allegations
Last night at the World Cup: Marsch’s singing riles former USA star
07:55 , Jamie Braidwood
There was a bemusing moment on US broadcaster Fox when former striker turned pundit Clint Dempsey was left fuming by the sight of his compatriot Marsch singing the Canadian anthem prior to the Bosnia match kicking off. Marsch had previously said he would need to “beg” American players to sing their anthem, which prompted Dempsey to react strongly.
“He really said that? Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously,” Dempsey complained. “I’m not going to take advice from someone who’s switched to the other side and is singing another country’s national anthem.” Also on the same channel, Alexi Lalas insulted James Corden.
Clint Dempsey slams Canada boss Jesse Marsch over US anthem ‘begging’ claim
England team hit by theft of boots and balls before World Cup opener
07:35 , Jamie Braidwood
"We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening," police said. “The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”
Vehicles transferring the training equipment were broken into, according to reports, while the players travelled separately. The items of training equipment were sent ahead of the arrival of the players on Saturday.
England team hit by theft of boots and balls before World Cup opener
England hit by training kit theft ahead of Kansas City arrival
07:14 , Jamie Braidwood
England have suffered a theft of training equipment ahead of their arrival to their World Cup training base in Kansas City, with the team’s match boots, balls and training equipment stolen.
Local police are investigating the incident, which came as the team were in transit from their pre-tournament base in Florida to the Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, where England were due to arrive on Saturday.
"We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening," police said. “The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”
England play their opening match of the tournament against Croatia in Dallas in Wednesday.
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect opener
07:07 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles
Mauricio Pochettino had spent the past few days summoning belief in what the USA might achieve in the face of scepticism. Can they win the World Cup, he was repeatedly asked, to which his stock response was: “Why not? We can dream.” After this hugely impressive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, perhaps Pochettino’s task now is to manage inflated expectations, to temper America’s wildest dreams.
USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay
Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats
07:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Fifa has defended its attendance figures at South Korea’s opening-day win against the Czech Republic at the World Cup by insisting that some fans “stood in concourses rather than in their assigned seat.”
There were thousands of empty seats, in just the second match of the tournament, to further raise questions surrounding Fifa’s ticket prices for the world spectacle. South Korea defeated Czech Republic 2-1, in a gripping Group A contest in Guadalajara.
Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats
Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026
07:06 , Jamie Braidwood
The World Cup 2026 is beginning to find its rhythm with the remaining co-hosts getting their campaigns underway on day two - 2,210 miles apart.
Canada battled back to draw 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto thanks to substitute Cyle Larin after a tepid opening ceremony and an angry reaction to the sight of their American head coach Jesse Marsch heartily singing the anthem.
After then it was the turn of the USA, the primary hosts of this tournament, who got their campaign underway with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Here is everything you need to know from day two of the super-sized tournament
