One Killed, Another Critically Injured in Shooting at FIFA World Cup Fan Zone in San Jose

One person was killed and another was critically injured after a shooting at a popular FIFA World Cup 2026 fan zone in downtown San Jose, California, on Sunday, local police confirmed.

Authorities said the shooting took place at the historic San Pedro Square, a well-known entertainment district that has been hosting World Cup fan events throughout the tournament. However, police clarified that no World Cup match was being shown on the giant screens at the time of the incident, as the day's only match had concluded around 2:00 p.m.

According to a statement posted by the San Jose Police Department on social media platform X, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Reuters reported that police have launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. Several nearby streets have been closed as investigators process the crime scene and search for evidence.

San Pedro Square has been one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most popular World Cup gathering spots, attracting thousands of football fans for daily match screenings and entertainment.

Security in the area was heightened immediately after the shooting. The incident marks the first major act of violence reported in the Bay Area during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Bay Area is home to nearly a dozen official fan zones and public watch parties for the tournament. The shooting has raised fresh concerns over security arrangements at large-scale World Cup events and public viewing venues across the region.