World Cup 2026: Concerns raised over snakes at training camps
June 18, 2026 · TaegeukGoal
Players from Germany, Switzerland and Norway have expressed concerns about venomous snakes at their training camps ahead of the World Cup.
In Germany, you not only have to worry about tactics, injuries and your next opponent, but you also have to think about the dangers that may be lurking in the grass. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich is one of the players who has expressed concern about the presence of venomous snakes at the World Cup. Athletes from Germany, Switzerland and Norway expressed concerns about local wildlife they might encounter. Kimmich and his teammates reportedly encountered a copper snake, one of the venomous snakes, at a training camp in North Carolina. The Swiss team reportedly marked certain areas of the San Diego camp as "snake areas." "I saw a snake yesterday, and I heard it's poisonous. If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital. It won't kill you, but it's definitely dangerous. If you step on a snake like that, something bad could happen," Kimmich said. So we are trying to keep our distance from the animals here. I have respect for the people here. "I don't feel like there are many dangerous animals in Germany," he said. The country has won four World Cups, and two of its seven snake species are venomous. "Once you find out what kind of snake it is and what happens when it bites you, it's no longer a laughing matter," Kimmich said. "We're here to prepare for the biggest tournament in soccer, and suddenly the players are looking at the ground before they take a step." The Norwegian team is also based in North Carolina, and plays for the city of Greensboro. The official website said copper snakes were "very common" in the area and this was not welcome news for Norway captain Christian Torsvedt. “I’m not happy at all to hear that news,” he said.