England open its World Cup campaign against Croatia. | Photo Credit: AP

Kansas City, England’s base for the World ​Cup, was hit with a ‌tornado warning just hours ​after the team arrived, ⁠as the weather service told residents to take shelter to ‌avoid a severe thunderstorm.

The weather service said the ‌storm could cause winds ‌as ⁠fast as 80 miles (129 ⁠km) per hour, and tornado sirens were sounded on Saturday evening.

“Take ​shelter in ‌a sturdy building, away from windows. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught ‌without shelter,” a weather ​alert told residents.

British media reports said the England ⁠players were also instructed to stay indoors, and a ‌fan festival in the city closed early to ensure safety.

The English side, who were hit by a training kit theft before ‌they arrived in Kansas City, ​had a community training session in the afternoon ⁠before the tornado warnings took effect. ⁠England will face Croatia in its first ‌World Cup Group L match on Wednesday in Arlington.

Published on Jun 14, 2026