Three Costa Rica stars in legal trouble after nightclub shooting leaves footballer’s car riddled with bullets before England clash, Thomas Tuchel side prepares for FIFA World Cup

Costa Rica’s preparations for their upcoming international friendly against England national football team have been thrown into chaos after three players were removed from the squad following a shooting incident outside a popular bar. Footballers Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas and Warren Madrigal were all dropped after police launched an investigation into overnight gunfire in Los Yoses, Costa Rica.The incident reportedly happened around 1.40am after two groups were escorted out of the venue by security staff. Witnesses later heard multiple gunshots, and reports claimed Bran’s vehicle was hit several times. The three footballers denied taking part in any fight or disturbance. Costa Rican football officials reacted quickly by removing the players from the national team camp just days before the scheduled June 10 friendly match against England in Orlando, Florida.Police confirmed that an official investigation has been opened after a vehicle connected to the incident was damaged by bullets. Authorities stated that officers responded to reports of gunfire outside a nightlife venue in Los Yoses during the early hours of Monday morning.Alejandro Bran later received public support from his agent, who insisted the midfielder had not been involved in any violent behaviour. According to the agent, Bran was simply having dinner with teammates when problems started involving intoxicated individuals inside the bar. He explained that security removed several disruptive people from the venue before the situation escalated outside.The representative further claimed that angry individuals later targeted Bran’s vehicle after leaving the bar. He added that the footballer was upset by the situation and disappointed that his name had become linked with the incident despite denying any wrongdoing.The controversy comes only months after Bran faced another encounter with police earlier this year. In March, he was filmed in handcuffs during a separate incident that he later described as a misunderstanding linked to noise complaints.Costa Rica’s football federation first announced Bran’s removal from the squad before later confirming that Kenneth Vargas and Warren Madrigal had also been excluded from the training camp.Meanwhile, Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense suspended Bran and Vargas while reviewing the situation internally. The club stated that the decision was made to protect the institution’s values and standards while investigations continue.Costa Rica failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after finishing behind Haiti and Honduras in their qualification group. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s England is preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026.