Venomous copperhead snake found near Germany's FIFA World Cup camp, players on alert

Germany’s soccer players are dealing with an unusual worry during the World Cup that has little to do with tactics, opponents or injuries.

According to reports, players at Germany’s base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recently spotted a snake near their training area, raising concerns after being told the reptile was poisonous.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich spoke about the incident, while the BBC reported that similar concerns had also been raised between the Swiss and Norwegian teams participating in the tournament.

‘What can be hidden in the grass’

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

A venomous snake has been found near a German training area in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Players are concerned because they learned that copper snakes are poisonous and can be a serious danger that requires immediate medical attention if bitten.

The discovery of the snake made the players more cautious and changed their thinking, making them more aware of their surroundings during training.

Yes, teams like Switzerland have already designated areas as ‘snake areas’ to ensure the safety of their players during the tournament.

Teams such as Switzerland and Norway have also discussed concerns regarding the presence of copper snakes in the North Carolina region.

Kimmich said the experience added a new dimension to the tournament preparations.

“In Germany you worry about tactics, injuries and the next opponent. Here you also have to think about what might be hiding in the grass,” Kimmich was quoted as saying.

According to the BBC, the snake the German players encountered was a copperhead, a venomous species commonly found in North Carolina.

Read also | Why did Lionel Messi cry after scoring in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria?

The report also noted that Switzerland had taken precautionary measures ahead of the tournament.

“Before the tournament, the Swiss designated an area outside their camp in San Diego as a ‘snake area,'” it said.

“It stops being funny very quickly”

While the initial sighting may have surprised the players, Kimmich said the mood changed once they learned the snake could pose a real danger.

“We saw a snake yesterday, they told us it’s poisonous. If it bites you, you need to go to the hospital. I don’t think you’ll die, but it’s definitely dangerous. I feel like stepping on a snake like that could end badly,” he said.

The Germany captain added that the team is now more cautious about wild animals.

“That’s why we try to keep our distance from animals here. I have respect for people here. I feel that there are not so many dangerous animals in Germany,” he added.

Kimmich later explained how the discovery affected the mindset of the players in camp.

Read also | Ronaldo loses to Messi again, this time for a special World Cup achievement

“Once you hear what kind of snake it is and what can happen if it bites you, it stops being funny very quickly,” Kimmich said.

“We’re here trying to prepare for the biggest tournament in football and all of a sudden the players are looking at the ground before every step they take.”

Other teams share similar concerns

Germany isn’t the only team to encounter concerns about local wildlife.

The BBC reported that members of the Swiss and Norwegian camps also discussed the presence of copper snakes in the region.

Norwegian captain Kristian Thorstvedt admitted he was less than thrilled after learning the species was common in North Carolina.

“I’m not happy at all,” Thorstvedt said.

Read also | World Cup for Dummies: I asked ChatGPT which team to support in FIFA 2026

German campaign in full swing

Despite the unusual distraction, Germany have started their FIFA World Cup campaign well.

The four-time champions opened the tournament with a commanding 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao and will next face Ivory Coast on June 21.

However, the focus is not just on football yet.

As the players continue to prepare, many seem to be paying more attention to their surroundings – especially the grass around the practice field.

While injuries and opposition tactics remain major concerns at every World Cup, Germany’s players face a challenge that few teams would expect when they arrive at a global soccer tournament: keeping an eye out for poisonous snakes.