Two men have been charged in the United States after equipment belonging to England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad was stolen while being transported from Florida to the team’s base in Kansas City, authorities said.

The England World Cup gear theft involved items estimated to be worth about $18,000, including football boots, training equipment, goalkeeper gloves, a football and signed England jerseys. Officials said most of the stolen property was later recovered.

According to the Jackson County prosecutor’s office in Missouri, Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal each face one count of receiving stolen property. The charge is a felony under Missouri law.

Authorities said the equipment was taken while England’s team gear was being moved from a pre-tournament camp in Florida to Kansas City, where the squad is based during the World Cup.

Court documents cited by media reports said around 32 items were involved in the case. The list included four pairs of football boots, a football, goalkeeper gloves, training kit and three signed jerseys.

The three signed jerseys were valued at about $15,000, making them the most expensive items listed among the stolen property. Some items did not have a publicly stated value.

The Football Association said the incident would not affect England’s preparations or their opening World Cup match against Croatia. Reports said the stolen items did not include equipment considered essential for the team’s match plans.

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said her office would not tolerate criminal activity targeting World Cup visitors, including international teams competing in the tournament.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also praised police and prosecutors for their response, saying the investigation helped recover goods stolen during transport across several states.

England are preparing for their Group L opener against Croatia, followed by further group-stage matches against Ghana and Panama.

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