World Cup in a single day round-up as England theft and landmark VAR determination shocks followers
The second day of the World Cup saw hosts Canada and the USA both get their campaigns underway on home soil, but a theft of England’s equipment has stolen the headlines
Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for Croatia have been impacted by a heist(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
After Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup in style on Thursday night before South Korea produced the first comeback win of the tournament, fellow joint hosts Canada and the USA got their campaigns underway.
Friday evening saw Canada forced to fight back to draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina after Jovo Lukic gave the Europeans the lead after 21 minutes. It took until the 78th minute for Jesse Marsch’s side to equalise thanks to Southampton striker Cyle Larin’s super-sub impact.
Later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, the USA got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start as Mauricio Pochettino’s side hammered Paraguay 4-1, with former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun netting a brace.
However, England’s camp has been rocked by a heist after kit and training equipment were stolen. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the most exciting action from Stateside overnight.
England victim of theft
England have fallen victim to a bold World Cup theft ahead of their opening match against Croatia next week, with players’ boots and crucial training gear reportedly ‘stolen in transit.’
The Three Lions have relocated their training camp from West Palm Beach in Florida to the Swope Soccer Village base in Missouri, where the reported theft occurred. The Daily Mail reports that tournament footballs and vital training equipment have been taken, with just one football left, leaving staff in a scramble to replace the equipment immediately.
England will call the Swope Soccer Village home for the next three weeks as they aim to progress from Group L, which also contains Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Thomas Tuchel’s squad are due to train in Kansas City for the first time later today, but an investigation is currently underway to understand exactly what has been taken.
Katy Perry’s American opening performance
The USA got their home World Cup campaign underway with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, marking the first time the USMNT have scored four goals in one game in the tournament.
Before the game, Katy Perry kicked off America’s first game on home soil of this tournament by performing on the SoFi Stadium pitch in Los Angeles, California.
However, many people online were left unimpressed by the pop singer’s performance as she wore a silver dress dubbed an “astronaut’s costume”. Quite the contrary to Mexico’s colourful opening ceremony and Canada welcoming Michael Buble and Alanis Morrisette onto the pitch before their 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fans arrested for assaulting police
Two supporters attending Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina were arrested 50 minutes before kick-off after allegedly assaulting police officers.
While the matchday atmosphere was relatively peaceful, with Canadian and Bosnian fans largely enjoying the occasion, two individuals in a Bosnian supporters’ group were ejected and arrested before kick-off.
Police state they were called to reports of a disturbance in the stands shortly after 2pm local time. Upon attending the incident, police say two officers were allegedly assaulted and sustained minor injuries.
The two supporters have been charged with assaulting a police officer. No injuries were reported from the initial altercation in the stands.
VAR used for brand new law
One of the brand new laws introduced for the World Cup was enforced in a landmark moment as VAR was used in the first mistaken identity protocol case.
During USA’s win over Paraguay, former Fulham defender Tim Ream was booked for a foul on ex-Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron, resulting in a dangerous free-kick for the South American outfit.
However, VAR intervened and referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the pitchside monitor, where he studied the replays. The footage showed Almiron had not been fouled; he’d taken three full strides after losing possession before throwing himself to the ground theatrically.
Makkelie then brandished Almiron a yellow card for simulation and rescinded the booking shown to Ream. A brilliant way to crack down and punish diving.
