A fatal shooting at a popular World Cup fan gathering spot in California has left one person dead and another fighting for their life, according to local authorities.
Police in San Jose confirmed they were investigating a homicide after gunfire erupted on Sunday evening close to San Pedro Square, an area that has regularly hosted supporters during the 2026 World Cup.
Shortly after 10 pm local time, officers issued a statement on social media warning members of the public to stay away from the area around North Market Street and West Santa Clara Street while investigations were carried out.
The shooting did not occur during a World Cup watch party, however. Sunday’s only scheduled match had concluded roughly eight hours earlier, meaning no games were being shown at the time of the shooting.
Witnesses described a major emergency response in the aftermath. Reuters reported that one of its journalists at the scene saw uniformed personnel carrying away an individual on a stretcher covered by a white sheet. A significant police presence was also observed throughout the area.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding a suspect or a possible motive.
The incident is the latest in a string of violent episodes to occur during the World Cup period in the United States, one of three nations hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
Gun violence remains a major issue across the country. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that approximately 44,000 people died from gun-related injuries nationwide in 2024.
With millions of international visitors expected to travel to North America for the World Cup, public safety concerns have remained a topic of discussion throughout the tournament.
Earlier this month, nine people were wounded in a shooting near England’s training base in Kansas City. Days later, another outbreak of violence in the same city left one person dead and several others injured, including an Uber driver transporting football supporters to a match.
Meanwhile, celebrations linked to Cape Verde’s impressive World Cup campaign have also been marred by violence. On June 21, five people were shot and another was stabbed during post-match celebrations in Brockton, Massachusetts, following the country’s draw with Uruguay. Less than a week later, four more people suffered gunshot injuries in the same city during gatherings connected to another Cape Verde fixture.
Investigators in San Jose continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s shooting.
