Thomas Tuchel’s England starts its World Cup campaign on Wednesday | Photo Credit: AP

Two men have been charged after equipment belonging to the England national football team was stolen while the squad travelled from its pre-training base in Florida to its World Cup base camp in Kansas City.

Jackson County prosecutors charged Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, both from San Antonio, Texas, with one felony count each of receiving stolen property. The Class D felony carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Bond was set at $75,000 for both men.

“Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have traveled here to compete,” Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in a statement.

The stolen property, valued at approximately $18,000, was recovered and did not affect England’s preparations for the tournament.

Authorities recovered nine pairs of football boots, goalkeeper gloves, a World Cup match ball, training apparel, electronic devices, stuffed animals, signed England jerseys and a Nike Air Lego set valued at $99.99.

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas praised law enforcement agencies for their swift response.

“I am grateful for the quick work of the Kansas City Police Department and the prosecutor’s office in resolving an investigation across several states, helping crime victims recover goods stolen in transit, and ensuring the accused will face prosecution,” Lucas said.

The theft occurred before England’s charter flight arrived in Kansas City on Saturday.

The team was welcomed at its base in Prairie Village, Kansas, before attending an open training session at Swope Soccer Village, where hundreds of supporters gathered to watch.

England has chosen Kansas City as its World Cup base despite not playing any group-stage matches there, citing its central location and ease of travel to venues across the United States.

The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday before facing Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey.

Published on Jun 14, 2026