World Cup 2026 live: Fifa releases statement on empty seats and investigation into theft at England camp

England have been the victims of theft ahead of their arrival to their World Cup 2026 training base in Kansas City, with the team’s match boots and balls reportedly stolen.

The items were taken as Thomas Tuchel’s team travelled from Florida to Missouri on Friday, with the Kansas City Police Department investigating the incident and confirming two suspects have been apprehended.

“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”

Meanwhile, Fifa has 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.”

Last night at the World Cup: Christian Pulisic doubt hangs over rampant USAThe 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.”

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 09:16

Last night at the World Cup: Folarin Balogun makes Golden Boot case?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.

(Getty)Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 08:56

Last night at World Cup: More empty seats as Fifa reckon fans too keen on concoursesHaving 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.

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 08:36

Last night at the World Cup: Thomas Partey barred from entering Canada for Ghana’s openerThomas 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.”

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:56

Last night at the World Cup: Marsch’s singing riles former USA starThere 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.

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:55

England team hit by theft of boots and balls before World Cup opener”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.

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:35

England hit by training kit theft ahead of Kansas City arrivalEngland 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.

(PA Wire)Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:14

USA stoke belief in wildest World Cup dreams after dismantling Paraguay in perfect openerMauricio 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.

Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles13 June 2026 07:07

Fifa release statement after World Cup match sees thousands of empty seatsFifa 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.

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:07

Everything you missed from day two at World Cup 2026The 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

Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 07:06