Fatal shooting at 2026 World Cup fan zone in San Jose

On Sunday, a shooting occurred at a fan zone in San Pedro Square, San Jose, California, which had been hosting spectators for the 2026 World Cup. According to local police, one person was confirmed dead at the scene, while a second victim was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The shooting took place after the conclusion of the Canada versus South Africa match, which had finished around 2:00 p.m. local time. Authorities have launched a homicide investigation and cordoned off several streets surrounding the square. Police noted that no active match was being broadcast at the precise moment of the attack. Following the incident, local bars closed, and eyewitnesses reported a scene of panic, including participants in a nearby amateur football match fleeing to locker rooms upon hearing the gunfire. Reuters reported a heavy police presence and the emergency evacuation of a victim from the area.