England's World Cup squad touched down in the United States on Monday and will relocate to Kansas on June 13, placing them in the heart of the Midwest's peak tornado season. At the same time, Rep. Sydney Kamlager‑Dove is demanding that FIFA President Gianni Infantino appear before Congress over what she calls a "shakedown" of ticket prices.

Kansas Hotel Prep Includes Basement Shelter for June Tornado Threat

Officials have briefed the players on emergency procedures at the four‑star Inn at Meadowbrook in Prairie Village, advising them to head to the hotel’s basement shelter if a warning is issued, or to stay in their rooms,avoid windows, and duck under sturdy furniture if a tornado strikes suddenly. Meteorologist Brad Temeyer warned that three tornadoes have already touched down in Kansas this year, and the state averages 40 tornadoes annually, second only to Texas, with most occurring in June.

Team’s Kansas Itinerary Features Royals Game and Meat Mitch BBQ

Beyond training, the squad plans to soak up local culture, including a visit to a Kansas City Royals baseball game and a dinner at Meat Mitch, an award‑winning barbecue joint famed for its smoked brisket and "Naked Sauce." Sources also hinted that Jason Sudeikis, the Kansas City‑born star of "Ted Lasso," may drop by during rest days, adding a Hollywood touch to the stay.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager‑Dove Calls FIFA Ticket Pricing a "Total Shakedown"

In Washington, Rep. Sydney Kamlager‑Dove, whose district covers Los Angeles World Cup venues, accused FIFA of price gouging through dynamic ticket pricing, describing the policy as "something from The Godfather." She led 69 representatives in a March letter demanding corrective action, and now backs investigations by New York and New Jersey attorneys general while urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to testify before Congress.

Unanswered Issue: Will FIFA Respond to Congressional Pressure?

The report notes that FIFA has not yet replied to the congressional letter, leaving it unclear whether Infantino will appear before lawmakers or if ticket pricing reforms will be enacted before the tournament begins.