The theft occurred during transit from West Palm Beach, Florida, the team's initial base, to Swope Football Village in Missouri, where they will be stationed for at least three weeks. Official match balls and boots belonging to stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham went missing.

Additionally, analysis equipment, coach Thomas Tuchel's tactics board, a massage table, and other essential training gear also went missing.

The England national team posed for a group photo in the US on 12/6 ahead of the World Cup. Photo: X/England.

The logistics team had to re-inventory the items before this afternoon's training session. Security personnel suspect the transport drivers may be involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) is coordinating with local police to recover the stolen items. "We are investigating. Two suspects have been detained for questioning", police stated.

This theft of equipment is a significant blow to preparations for England's opening match against Croatia in Group L of the 2026 World Cup on 18/6. The team will then face Ghana on 24/6 and Panama on 28/6.

England experienced a similar incident in Qatar 2022, though it involved a player's private residence. Thieves broke into Raheem Sterling's London villa less than 24 hours before England's round of 16 match against Senegal. Watches and jewelry valued at approximately 370,000 USD were stolen. Upon hearing the news, Sterling immediately flew from Qatar to England, missing the 3-0 victory. One week later, Sterling returned to the squad, bringing his wife and three children to Qatar.

The team prepared for the World Cup with two friendly matches, defeating New Zealand 1-0 and Costa Rica 3-0, before a closed-door training match victory against Miami FC 6-0.

By Trung Thu (Source: Mail Sport)