Winds of over 130 km/h, automatic alerts in the middle of the night, and the specter of a tornado looming over Kansas City: the England national team continues to live through a true horror film in the United States, where it is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Following a shooting near their base, a robbery of the official van, and even an earthquake that shook their training center in Florida, Gareth Southgate’s team was advised on Saturday to remain confined to their hotel after a new alert from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Everything happened in the early hours, around 2:00 AM (Portugal Continental time), when all members of the English delegation received automatic messages on their mobile phones warning of an approaching “severe thunderstorm” with winds capable of causing serious damage. The message, sent by the US National Weather Service, left no room for doubt and recommended seeking shelter “in a sturdy building, away from windows,” given the possibility of a tornado hitting the Kansas City area in Missouri. Half an hour later, another alert, this time specific to Jackson County, reinforced the dangerous situation.
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Despite the scare, ‘The Athletic’ reports that neither the hotel where the England team is staying nor the training ground suffered damage from the strong winds and heavy rain. However, the tension experienced among the members of the delegation was real, considering the history of incidents since their arrival in the United States. In less than a week, there have already been nine injuries from a shooting near the team’s base, the official van was robbed – from which players’ boots disappeared, leaving only a ball – and even a 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook the training center in Florida.
This accumulation of unusual and dangerous episodes is turning England’s stay at the 2026 World Cup into a true test of the mental and physical resilience of the squad. More than preparing for their opening match against Croatia, scheduled for June 17 at 9:00 PM, Southgate and his players have been forced to deal with emergency situations in an environment marked by fear and uncertainty. This succession of events raises questions about the safety of the teams present in the United States and may compel FIFA and local authorities to strengthen protective measures.
Despite the adversities, the coaching staff remains focused on sports preparation. When questioned about the impact of these episodes, a member of the England team revealed: “It’s impossible not to be affected by everything that is happening, but we have to keep working and stay focused. The most important thing is to ensure everyone’s safety.” Such statements demonstrate the cautious yet determined mindset prevailing among the players.
The pressure on the England team increases as the debut approaches, and media scrutiny grows regarding the response of the organization of the 2026 World Cup to incidents that, so far, have been more frequent than desired. The English squad, known for its competitiveness and ambition, will have to show that it can withstand not only the opponents on the field but also the whims of nature and the instability outside the lines.
In the coming days, the main challenge will be to regain calm and ensure that all players are in the right physical and mental condition to face one of the most unpredictable final stages ever. It remains to be seen whether, after storms, assaults, and earthquakes, England will finally be able to focus solely on football and meet the enormous expectations of the fans. For now, all eyes are on Kansas City, where each night seems to bring a new plot worthy of Hollywood.
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