Key facts
- Mexican police are investigating a body discovered in a car outside the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.
- Iran's national football team is training for the World Cup at the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.
- Tijuana is known for its high rates of violence.
- South Korea's defender Kim Tae-hyeon has recovered from an ankle injury.
- Kim Tae-hyeon is cleared for the World Cup group stage match against Mexico.
- FIFA attributed empty seats at a World Cup match in Guadalajara to fans watching from concourses.
- An announced attendance of 44,985 was recorded for the Guadalajara match.
- Thousands of empty seats were noted at Levi's Stadium for the Qatar vs. Switzerland match.
- England's World Cup training kit was reported stolen from a vehicle in Kansas City.
- Two individuals are in custody in connection with the theft of England's training kit.
- Fans in Houston are using portable fans, umbrellas, and hydration stations to cope with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Organizers in Houston are providing free sunscreen and air-conditioned spaces for fans.
Preparations and incidents surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 are unfolding across various locations, highlighting security concerns and fan experiences. In Tijuana, Mexico, police are investigating the discovery of a body in a car outside the Estadio Caliente, a venue being used by Iran's national football team for their World Cup training. The city of Tijuana is noted for its high rates of violence.
Security was also a concern in Kansas City, where England's World Cup training equipment was reportedly stolen from a vehicle. Two individuals are in custody as authorities investigate the incident, which occurred before the team's arrival at their base.
On the player front, South Korea's defender Kim Tae-hyeon has been cleared to play in the World Cup group stage. He had been suffering from an ankle injury that was initially feared to be more severe, but has since recovered and will be available for the match against Mexico.
FIFA has also commented on attendance issues, attributing empty seats at a World Cup match in Guadalajara to fans congregating in concourses. An announced attendance of 44,985 was recorded for the match, despite thousands of visible empty seats. Similar observations of empty seats were made at Levi's Stadium for the Qatar vs. Switzerland match.
In Houston, fans attending fan festival events are contending with extreme heat, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Attendees are employing various cooling measures, including portable fans, umbrellas, and hydration stations. Organizers have implemented measures such as providing free sunscreen and offering air-conditioned spaces to ensure fan comfort.