The England World Cup squad have had their preparations disrupted by a powerful earthquake that sent tremors through their Florida training base — the strongest seismic event to hit the Gulf of Mexico region in nearly 150 years.
The 6.1 magnitude quake, recorded at 2pm local time on 8 June, had its epicentre off the west coast of Cuba, approximately 400 miles from Central Florida where the Three Lions are preparing for Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica. Despite the distance, tremors were felt across West Palm Beach, where Thomas Tuchel’s squad are based, as well as in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and as far north as Flagler County. Several buildings across Florida’s major cities were evacuated as they began to shake and sway.
The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at a shallow depth of just 16 miles — a factor that amplifies surface shaking — while the National Weather Service confirmed there was no danger of a tsunami hitting the United States coast. “An earthquake has occurred just west of Cuba in the southern Gulf,” the Service posted on social media after receiving widespread reports of shaking across south-western Florida.
For Cubans living just 65 miles from the epicentre, the experience was far more violent. “It felt strong. I had never felt anything like that,” one resident told local media. Another said: “People ran outside, everyone scared. I can’t even explain it. It felt like no earthquake has ever felt here before.” Local authorities have not yet reported major casualties but fears are mounting about structural damage given that decades of economic crisis have left many Cuban buildings in severe disrepair, with ongoing widespread blackouts further complicating communications and emergency response.
An earthquake of this magnitude has not struck the region since 1880, when a 6.0 tremor hit near San Cristobal, Cuba. Holiday destinations in Mexico including Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum were also affected, with emergency protocols activated in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo states, though both governors reported no damage on social media. Tremors were even felt at Disney World in Orlando.
England touched down in Florida on 1 June for two warm-up games ahead of the World Cup. Having trained in West Palm Beach, the squad will face Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday before relocating to Kansas City when the tournament officially begins.
