Germany, Switzerland and Norway players have raised concerns over the presence of venomous snakes around their training camps during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to the BBC, Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has disclosed that he saw a snake at the team’s training camp and expressed his concerns.
“We saw a snake yesterday, we were told it was venomous. If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital,” he said.
He remarked that accidentally stepping on one of the reptiles was worrying and could have serious consequences.
“I don’t think you’ll die, but it’s certainly dangerous. I have the feeling that if you step on a snake like that, it can end badly.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“That’s why we’re trying to keep our distance from animals here. I have respect for the people here. In Germany, I have the feeling there aren’t so many dangerous animals,” Kimmich explained.
The 31-year-old also said the unexpected concern had forced players to remain alert while preparing for the biggest tournament in football.
“Once you hear what kind of snake it is and what can happen if you’re bitten, it stops being funny very quickly,”
“We’re here trying to prepare for the biggest tournament in football, and suddenly players are looking at the ground before every step they take,” Kimmich concluded.
Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!
Norway, which is in North Carolina, has also reported on the snakes common in that area. Captain Kristian Thorstvedt admitted he was unhappy to learn about the local wildlife.
“I’m not happy at all to hear that,” he said when told about the local wildlife.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway across three countries — Canada, Mexico and United States. The United States is hosting 78 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament across 11 host cities.
READ: Adam Zampa leads Australia to victory over Bangladesh in series opener