One killed in shooting at California World Cup fan zone

A shooting occurred at a popular entertainment venue in San Jose, California, which had been set up as a "Fan Zone" to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

Local police confirmed that the shooting, which took place on Sunday night, left one person dead and another critically injured.

According to San Jose police, no match was being screened on the big screen at the fan zone when the attack occurred. The only match scheduled for that day—a Round of 32 clash between South Africa and Canada—had concluded earlier around 2pm local time.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, San Jose police stated that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was rushed to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.

Police added that the incident is being investigated as a homicide, and several surrounding streets have been closed to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

Security concerns rise over public viewings
The shooting took place at San Jose’s historic San Pedro Square, a major hotspot in the San Francisco Bay Area that draws thousands of football fans daily to watch the World Cup matches. Following the incident, security measures in the area have been heavily reinforced.

This marks the first major incident of violence in this region of California during the ongoing World Cup. Nearly a dozen similar fan zones and watch parties have been organized across the Bay Area for the tournament. This tragic event has raised fresh concerns regarding security at large-scale public gatherings surrounding the World Cup. — *Reuters*