29/06/2026 09:43 - Deportes
The World Cup festivities turned into tragedy in California, where one person died and another was gravely injured in a shooting that occurred this Sunday at San Pedro Square, a popular entertainment district in the city of San José that has been serving as an official fan zone for watching tournament matches.
The San José Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the area of North Market Street and West Santa Clara Street following reports of gunfire. "One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries", stated the official press release.
San Pedro Square is one of the official gathering points in the San Francisco Bay Area designated for watching World Cup matches on giant screens. The region has hosted several tournament matches and has attracted thousands of supporters over recent weeks.
San José is located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of San Francisco, in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is the third most populous city in California.
The shooting occurred during a particularly emotional moment for Canadian football. Hours earlier, on June 28, 2026, the Canadian national team achieved its first-ever historic qualification to the World Cup Round of 16 after defeating South Africa 1-0 at the Los Angeles Stadium, with a goal by Stephen Eustáquio in stoppage time.
At the time of the shooting, no World Cup match was being broadcast at San Pedro Square, as the only match scheduled for that day had concluded hours earlier.
Canada now awaits the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match, scheduled for July 4, 2026, in Houston.
Authorities closed several surrounding streets and asked the public to avoid the area while investigations continue. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
Sources: Mundo Deportivo | Infobae | TN
Alfredo S. Quiroga
