England’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after training equipment destined for the team’s base in Kansas City was reportedly stolen during transit, local police have confirmed.

The incident occurred as equipment was being transported from England’s pre-tournament training camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, where the Three Lions are scheduled to begin their final preparations following their arrival on June 13.

According to local authorities, a vehicle carrying the equipment was broken into before reaching its destination.

“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” police said in a statement.

“The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”

British media reports indicated that footballs and boots were among the items stolen from the vehicle, although the full extent of the missing equipment has yet to be disclosed.

The incident comes at a critical time for England, who are preparing for their opening Group L fixture against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. While team officials have not commented on whether the theft will significantly disrupt preparations, the loss of training equipment could create logistical challenges ahead of the crucial encounter.

England are among the favourites for the expanded 48-team World Cup and will be hoping to avoid any distractions as they begin their quest for a first world title since 1966.

Security concerns have occasionally surfaced around major sporting events, but it is unusual for a national team competing at a FIFA World Cup to lose equipment in transit. The swift action by law enforcement, including the detention of two persons of interest, has raised hopes that some or all of the missing items may be recovered.

The English squad is expected to proceed with its training programme in Kansas City while police continue their investigation into the incident.

With the countdown to their clash against Croatia now entering its final days, England will be eager to put the off-field disruption behind them and focus on their World Cup campaign.

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Substitute Cyle Larin scored a crucial late equaliser as Canada fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, earning the co-hosts their first-ever point in World Cup history.

Playing before a passionate home crowd at Toronto Stadium, Canada appeared destined for another World Cup defeat after Bosnia took a first-half lead through Jovo Lukic. However, Larin emerged as the hero when he came off the bench and struck in the 78th minute to level the scores and ignite celebrations among the Canadian supporters.

The goal was historic, becoming the first World Cup goal scored by Canada on home soil.

“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin said after the match. “I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done.”

Bosnia and Herzegovina stunned the hosts in the 21st minute when Lukic converted from close range after a flick-on from a corner kick, registering his first international goal and giving the Dragons a valuable lead.

Canada responded positively and gradually took control of the contest, creating several opportunities but lacking the finishing touch. Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, squandered an early chance when he fired straight at Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

The Canadians intensified their pressure after the break and came agonisingly close to equalising in the 53rd minute. Richie Laryea broke through on goal and appeared certain to score, only for defender Sead Kolasinac to produce a remarkable goal-line intervention, diverting the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.

Bosnia nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Ermedin Demirovic raced clear, but Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, making his World Cup debut after missing the 2022 tournament due to a broken leg, produced an important save to keep his team in the game.

As the match wore on, Bosnia’s defence came under increasing pressure from the relentless Canadian attacks. Sensing the visitors were beginning to tire, Canada coach Jesse Marsch turned to his bench, introducing Larin in the 76th minute.

The move paid immediate dividends.

Less than three minutes after entering the match, Larin received the ball inside the penalty area, turned sharply and fired a shot that took a slight deflection before finding the net to make it 1-1.

“The subs came on and made a big difference. The tempo got higher, and we could see that they were fading,” Marsch said. “So, I told them that we’ve got them now. It’s time to put your foot on the jugular and go for the goal.”

The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the sea of red-clad fans whose chants of “Ca-na-da” echoed around the stadium throughout the evening.

Although Canada were unable to find a winner, the result marked a significant milestone for the nation. Having lost all six of their previous World Cup matches across the 1986 and 2022 tournaments, the draw delivered Canada’s first point at football’s biggest stage.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after leading for much of the encounter, while Canada will take confidence from a spirited comeback as they continue their campaign on home soil.

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Morocco will launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Saturday with a mouth-watering Group C clash against five-time champions Brazil, as the Atlas Lions seek to build on their historic achievements in Qatar four years ago.

The North Africans arrive in North America determined to prove that their remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup was no one-off feat. Having become the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup, Morocco now carry the hopes of a continent eager for another memorable campaign.

While Brazil continue their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, the South Americans enter the tournament under pressure and weakened by a series of injuries that have disrupted coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

The Brazilian side has undergone significant changes in recent years, with Ancelotti taking charge after a turbulent period that saw the Selecao go through four managers in three years. Injuries have further complicated matters, ruling out key players including Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao and Wesley, while Neymar remains unavailable for the opening match as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

Morocco, meanwhile, have established themselves as one of world football’s emerging powers. The squad boasts a strong core of players competing at the highest levels in Europe, many of whom were instrumental in the team’s historic exploits in Qatar, where they eliminated both Spain and Portugal before eventually falling to France in the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions have, however, experienced their own period of transition ahead of the tournament. Earlier this year, Morocco endured the disappointment of losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal on home soil, although they were subsequently awarded the title following the controversial abandonment of the match after Senegal’s protest against a penalty decision.

Another major change came with the departure of long-serving coach Walid Regragui just three months before the World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation turned to Mohamed Ouahbi, the Belgian-born tactician who guided Morocco’s Under-20 team to FIFA World Cup glory in Chile last year.

Ouahbi now faces his biggest challenge yet as he prepares to lead the senior national team against one of football’s most decorated nations.

Morocco’s preparations have not been entirely smooth. Defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out of the 26-man World Cup squad after suffering injuries during the team’s final warm-up match against Norway.

Despite those setbacks, confidence remains high within the Moroccan camp. The Atlas Lions have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete with, and defeat, football’s traditional giants, and Saturday’s encounter offers another opportunity to underline their growing status on the global stage.

Brazil still possess formidable quality, particularly in attack, where Vinicius Junior will be expected to carry much of the creative burden. Yet the injury concerns and ongoing rebuilding process surrounding the South Americans could present Morocco with a golden opportunity to begin their campaign with a statement result.

For Morocco, this is more than just an opening fixture. It is a chance to confirm that the Qatar fairy tale was the beginning of a new era rather than an isolated achievement.

As the world watches in anticipation, the Atlas Lions stand ready to write another chapter in Morocco’s remarkable football story.

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