Nine people have been injured in a shooting near the England squad's World Cup training ground, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the 2026 tournament. The incident, which prompted a police response, saw nine adults taken to various local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, according to reports.
The World Cup, the biggest in history with 48 teams, is set to kick off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the opening game at the Azteca stadium rapidly approaching. In the UK, every match will be broadcast free-to-air on the BBC and ITV, with full TV and radio details available for group games.
“Nine injured in shooting near England's World Cup training ground; Iraq face daunting group with Haaland, Mbappe, Jackson.”
While England's camp deals with the aftermath of the shooting, other nations face their own challenges. Iraq, appearing at their first World Cup since Mexico 1986, have been drawn in arguably the toughest group of the tournament. Their defenders must contend with Norway's Erling Haaland, France's Kylian Mbappe and Senegal's Nicolas Jackson in consecutive Group I games.
Iraq secured their place via a 2–1 victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs, a journey that tested both players and fans. Ali Al-Hamadi, the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League, scored the opening goal. “It’s our chance to show on the world stage that Iraqi’s love football, dancing, music and food,” said Hassanane Belal of the Iraq Football Podcast, referencing the few fans able to travel after arduous journeys — some taking 13 days to reach Mexico.
Iraq's squad includes two players raised in England: Al-Hamadi, who spent last season on loan at Luton Town, and former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal, now at FC Utrecht. Experienced striker Aymen Hussein, fifth on the nation's all-time scoring charts with 33 goals in 93 caps, is expected to partner Al-Hamadi up front. The team is managed by Graham Arnold, who led Australia to the Round of 16 in 2022, assisted by former Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen.
Elsewhere, Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen is “in good spirits” after collapsing on the pitch, with the team doctor reporting he is doing well and expected to be discharged from hospital soon. Eriksen, a former Tottenham and Manchester United star, received immediate medical attention.
As England train ahead of their opening game against Costa Rica, the shooting raises questions about security at the tournament. For Iraq, the focus remains on defying the odds in a group that few expect them to escape.