Venomous snakes disrupt training camps for World Cup teams in US
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several European national teams—Germany, Switzerland, and Norway—encountered venomous snakes at their U.S. training bases. Germany’s captain Joshua Kimmich reported a copperhead sighting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Switzerland marked a “snake zone” at their San Diego, California camp, while Norway, also in North Carolina, expressed unease. Players, unaccustomed to such wildlife, were advised to avoid disturbing the snakes. The incidents highlight an unusual safety challenge for the tournament.
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Germany training camp disrupted by venomous snake; coach jokes about anaconda
A venomous copperhead snake was discovered during a German national football team training session in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ahead of a friendly match against Ivory Coast in Toronto. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich confirmed the snake's dangerous nature, stating that a bite requires immediate hospital attention. During a press conference, head coach Julian Nagelsmann light-heartedly referred to the snake as 'a big anaconda,' prompting laughter. He later clarified it was a joke and said the team 'loves all animals.' The incident has drawn media attention as the team prepares for their match on June 20, 2026.
FútbolGermany star Joshua Kimmich reveals encounter with venomous snake at North Carolina World Cup HQ
Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich revealed that the team encountered a venomous snake at their World Cup training center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Speaking to German outlet Bild, Kimmich said the snake was identified as dangerous, requiring hospitalization if bitten, and admitted he has more respect for such animals in the US compared to Germany. The incident came after Germany's impressive 7-1 victory over Curacao in their World Cup opener. The article also notes a separate logistical issue for England's squad in Kansas City, where training equipment was stolen before their arrival. The snake scare highlights an unusual off-field challenge for the German team as they continue their World Cup campaign.
Yardbarker: SoccerGerman National Team Encounters Venomous Copperhead Snake at World Cup Base Camp
The German national football team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, encountered a copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) at their World Cup base camp in a wooded area of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The venomous reptile, common in the region, was seen by the team on Monday. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich described the encounter, noting the snake's danger and the need for hospital treatment if bitten. While copperhead bites are rarely fatal, they cause intense pain and swelling and require immediate medical attention. The incident highlights the team's adjustment to local wildlife during the tournament.
FútbolKimmich Reveals Scare: 'We Saw a Snake and Were Told It Was Venomous'
German national team midfielder Joshua Kimmich shared an unsettling experience during the 2026 World Cup, stating that he and his teammates encountered a snake and were informed it was venomous. Kimmich admitted the situation made him uncomfortable. The incident was reported by Portuguese sports newspaper Record on June 16, 2026, amid coverage of the World Cup tournament. The article does not specify the location of the encounter but is published under the 'Germany' category on the site, suggesting it occurred during Germany's World Cup campaign. No further details on the snake species or any injuries were provided.
RecordVenomous snakes disrupt training camps for Germany, Switzerland, and Norway at 2026 World Cup
Several national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States have reported encounters with venomous copperhead snakes at their training bases. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich described how his team saw a venomous snake at their camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and warned that a bite could require hospitalization. The Swiss team marked a 'snake area' at their San Diego camp, and Norway, also based in North Carolina, expressed concern after hearing that copperheads are 'very common' in the area. Players have voiced unease about focusing on tournament preparation while having to watch the ground for dangerous wildlife. The incidents highlight an unusual safety challenge for teams competing in the World Cup, particularly for European players unaccustomed to such hazards. The story reflects broader logistical and environmental factors affecting the tournament.
BBC SportGerman National Team Encounters Venomous Snake at Camp, Kimmich Says
A report from Reddit's r/soccer, citing a Bild article, states that members of the German national football team encountered a venomous snake while at their training camp. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich commented on the incident, noting that the snake was venomous and that a bite would require hospitalization. He downplayed the risk of death but acknowledged the danger. The incident occurred during the team's preparations, though specific location and date details are not provided in the summary. The post links to the original Bild article for further details.
The back page of the internet.German Captain Kimmich Encounters Venomous Snake at 2026 World Cup Base; No Special Measures from DFB
Germany national team captain Joshua Kimmich revealed during a press conference that he and the team encountered a venomous copperhead snake near their base camp in North Carolina ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Kimmich expressed concern, noting that such dangerous animals are uncommon in Germany, and emphasized the need to be cautious to avoid accidental snakebites. According to German outlet Bild, the German Football Association (DFB) has not implemented any special precautionary measures in response to the incident, despite the Austrian team banning cycling at their nearby base in Santa Barbara due to a snake infestation. Copperhead bites are rarely fatal but require medical treatment.
虎扑 - 足球DFB Stars Encounter Venomous Copperhead Snake at World Cup Quarters in Winston-Salem
Germany national football team captain Joshua Kimmich reported at a press conference on June 16, 2026, that the DFB star players encountered a venomous snake at their World Cup quarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Kimmich stated the snake, identified as a copperhead, is dangerous and requires hospital treatment if bitten, though bites are typically not fatal. He expressed respect for the animal, noting the contrast with Germany where dangerous animals are rare. The team is taking precautions to keep distance from snakes. While the Austrian team in Santa Barbara has banned bicycle riding due to snake danger, no special measures have been implemented at the DFB camp yet. The 2026 World Cup is ongoing in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
BILD - SportSnake Warnings Issued at Swiss and Norwegian World Cup Training Camps in US
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Swiss national team has arrived in San Diego, California, for pre-tournament training. The team's official account released a camp schematic that prominently marks a large area outside the training venue as a 'snake activity area' with a warning to beware of snakes. According to the San Diego Museum of Natural History, four species of venomous rattlesnakes inhabit the region, with the Southern California rattlesnake being the most common. Separately, the Norwegian team, based at the Grandover Resort and Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina, has also received official warnings about local copperhead vipers. Greensboro city officials advise players not to tease, pick up, or disturb the snakes, stating that staying away is the only safe approach. Norwegian midfielder Christian Tosteveit expressed unease upon learning of the situation.
虎扑 - 足球Switzerland trains in San Diego surrounded by venomous snakes
The Swiss national football team is preparing for its World Cup debut against Qatar at a training center in San Diego, California. However, the team faces an unexpected challenge: the surrounding forest area is infested with venomous vipers. The Swiss team posted a lighthearted social media image labeling the forest as the 'snake zone.' According to the San Diego Museum of Natural History, four poisonous snake species inhabit the region. Similarly, the Norwegian national team, including star Erling Haaland, is training in Greensboro, North Carolina, where copperhead snakes are common. Norwegian midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt expressed discomfort upon learning about the snakes. Both teams have been warned to avoid provoking or disturbing the reptiles.
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