Reporting from Auckland.
At least three people including the gunman are dead, and six more are confirmed as injured, in a shooting incident Thursday morning in Auckland’s downtown central business district. The incident occurred just hours before the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, with New Zealand and Norway set to play at Eden Park on Thursday night.
The incident took place in the immediate vicinity of Norway’s team hotel and just blocks from several hotels hosting teams participating in the World Cup. FIFA confirmed to local media that officials are safe and were not in the area at the time of the shooting. Norway and New Zealand released team statements saying that everyone from their respective delegations is safe.
Thursday’s opening match will proceed as planned, FIFA and New Zealand officials confirmed. There will be an increased police presence for the match at Eden Park.
U.S. Soccer released a statement that all players and staff are safe and will proceed with the day as…
