Several international sides at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been placed on alert after venomous snakes were discovered or reported near their official training camps in the United States.
Instead of focusing solely on formations, fitness concerns, and opposition analysis, some teams have found themselves dealing with a very different problem lurking close to the pitch.
Germany, who have won the World Cup four times, are the latest team to run into trouble after an unwelcome reptile appeared at their base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Training was temporarily stopped on Monday when players and staff noticed a venomous copperhead near the field.
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich later explained how quickly the atmosphere changed once the danger became clear.
“In Germany, you worry about tactics, injuries, and your next opponent. Here, you also have to think about what might be hiding in the grass,” Kimmich shared. “Once you hear what kind of snake it is and what can happen if you’re bitten, it stops being funny very quickly.”
According to BBC Sport, the midfielder said the risk is now something the squad is actively thinking about during sessions.
“If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital. I don’t think you’ll die, but it’s certainly dangerous… suddenly players are looking at the ground before every step they take.”
Germany are not the only nation confronting wildlife concerns during the tournament. Reports from multiple camps suggest other teams have also had to adapt to similar issues in different parts of the country.
Switzerland, based in San Diego, have already marked off a so-called “Snake Area” on a training-ground map shared by the team, warning players to stay away from brush surrounding the complex. The caution is aimed at rattlesnakes, which are a familiar sight in Southern California but a far less welcome one for visiting players.
Footballs that roll into the surrounding brush are not to be collected by players.
Norway, who are training in Greensboro, North Carolina, have also had to pay close attention to the local wildlife. Officials in the area have warned the players not to interfere with copperhead snakes, which are common in the region.
A less-than-thrilled midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt admitted: “I’m not happy at all to hear that,” reports PEOPLE.
Team officials say the safest approach is simple: avoid tall grass, avoid hidden brush, and leave any snake sightings to wildlife experts.
Even with those unusual interruptions, results on the field have remained the main story. Germany opened their Group E run with a commanding 7-1 win over Curaçao, while Norway began strongly too, beating Iraq 4-1.