The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will open as planned today despite a violent incident that left fatalities in Auckland. A man opened fire on a construction site on Thursday morning (07/20/2023). Two people died. The shooter is also dead.
According to official information, at least six other people were also injured, three of them seriously. The shots were fired at 7.20 a.m. local time near the official World Cup fan zone, and the national teams housed in the area are all safe. New Zealand Sport Minister Grant Robertson said he had spoken to world governing body boss Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, who expressed their condolences.
The nearby Norwegian national team was woken up by police helicopters and sirens nearby. “We felt safe the whole time. FIFA has a good security system in the hotel,” said captain Maren Mjelde. “Everyone seems calm and we’re preparing as usual for tonight’s game.”
All World Cup teams safe
The New Zealand association was “shocked” by the incident via Twitter. “We can confirm that the entire Football Ferns team and staff are safe.” The US national team, which is also currently in Auckland, also announced that all players and staff are safe and well. “This horrific incident could not have happened at a worse time, right now with the world’s eyes on us,” Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told TVNZ. “It’s very scary.”
“There is no risk to national security”
The report said that the police had been on site with a large contingent. Eden Park stadium, where the opening game will be played, is a 20-minute train ride from the scene of the shooting, according to The Athletic. Despite the incident, the World Cup will open today as planned. This was confirmed by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in a press conference. “The tournament will take place as planned. There is no risk to national security,” said the politician.
In Eden Park in Auckland, hosts New Zealand open the tournament (9 a.m., live on the first and in the live stream on sportschau.de) against Norway.