Shooting in Massachusetts World Cup crowd leaves at least four wounded

Authorities said multiple people were shot Friday evening, as local crowds in Massachusetts celebrated the results of a FIFA World Cup match.

The Brockton Police Department said at least four people sustained gunshot wounds and were sent to the hospital. The incident in the Main Street area appeared to occur as large groups of locals were celebrating Cape Verde’s advancement in the tournament that evening, when the small African nation drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. Brockton is home to the biggest Cape Verdean population in the United States.

Authorities received multiple reports of gunfire shortly before midnight Friday, according to Brockton police, and found the injured victims around the intersection of Main Street and Park Street.

This is the second shooting in a week to occur in the area amid crowds of fans celebrating Cape Verde’s performance in the 2026 World Cup. Last weekend, two people were injured in separate shootings in the Main Street area, as raucous partying appeared to turn violent.

After the latest incident, a police investigation is unfolding on Colonial Terrace, though it is unclear whether it is related to the shooting, according to WHDH.

Cape Verde’s improbable advancement in the World Cup makes it now the smallest nation to reach the knockout round. The team is set to play Argentina on Friday in Miami.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Brockton police for comment.