A gunman opened fire at a World Cup fan zone in San Jose, California, on Sunday night, killing one person and leaving another with life-threatening injuries, police said.
The attack happened at San Pedro Square in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has been used as an official fan zone to screen World Cup matches. However, at the time of the shooting, no games were being shown – the only match of the day had ended at about 2pm local time (9pm GMT).
“One person killed and another critically injured in shooting at World Cup fan zone in San Jose, California.”
Officers were called to the area of North Market Street and West Santa Clara Street after reports of gunfire erupted in the entertainment district. The San Jose police department confirmed that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“Units are currently investigating a shooting in the area of N Market St and W Santa Clara St,” the force said in a statement. “One victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Several surrounding streets are closed in the area. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.”
The fan zone had drawn hundreds of football fans during the tournament, but Sunday’s violence forced nearby bars to close and roads to be shut down as police launched their investigation.
The shooting comes as the World Cup group stage concluded with a record 215 goals scored across 72 matches – eclipsing the 172 goals in Qatar four years ago. Canada secured a dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday evening courtesy of Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time goal, advancing to the knockout stage.
Gun violence remains a persistent issue in the United States, where an estimated 44,000 people died from gun-related injuries in 2024. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the country. California has some of the strictest gun laws in the US, while neighbouring Nevada is considered to have among the most relaxed regulations.