Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in its World Cup opening match. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Tactics and opponents are not the only concerns for German footballers at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. They are also worried about what might be “hiding in the grass” after spotting a snake at their base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich opened up about the slithering problem, with the BBC reporting that similar concerns have also come from the Switzerland and Norway teams.

“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 was quoted as saying.

The BBC also reported that Kimmich and his teammates encountered a copperhead, a venomous snake commonly found in North Carolina.

“The Swiss marked a certain area, external in their San Diego camp, as a ‘snake area’ before the tournament,” it reported.

Kimmich said the moment his team found out that the snake was venomous, it triggered concern.

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“We saw a snake yesterday, we were told it was venomous. If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital. 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,” he said.

“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,” he added.

The four-time champion opened its tournament campaign with a 7-1 win over debutant Curacao. Germany will next face Ivory Coast on June 21.

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

Norway captain Kristian Thorstvedt said he was not particularly pleased to know that copperheads are common in North Carolina.

“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,” Thorstvedt said.

“I’m not happy at all to hear that,” he added.

Published on Jun 17, 2026