Many teams preparing for the 2026 World Cup are uneasy due to poisonous snakes in the US.

Numerous media outlets, including the BBC (UK) and Germany's Bild, reported on June 17 that many players have spotted snakes near their temporary accommodations.

German national team captain Joshua Kimmich has expressed concern about the presence of venomous snakes at the World Cup. He stated, "In Germany, we usually worry about tactics, injuries, or the next opponent. But here, we also have to think whether something dangerous is lurking in the grass."

Kimmich and his German teammates encountered a Copperhead—a common venomous snake in the U.S. state of North Carolina—at their base camp in Winston-Salem.

Swiss and Norwegian players have also voiced concerns about potential encounters with local wildlife.

The Norwegian team is stationed in Greensboro, North Carolina. On the official website of Greensboro, local authorities note that Copperhead snakes are commonly found in the area. Norwegian team captain Christian Tornes shared, "That news does nothing to reassure me."

The Swiss team has identified several areas within their training facility in San Diego, California, as "snake-risk zones" before the tournament begins and has advised players to exercise extra caution.