Germany national team captain Joshua Kimmich said that the squad was disrupted after coming face-to-face with a venomous reptile at their FIFA World Cup 2026 training base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, BBC reported.
The snake was later identified as a copperhead, a viper local to North Carolina.
"We saw a snake yesterday, we were told it was venomous. If you get bitten, you have to go to the hospital," Kimmich said.
"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," the midfielder added.
Group E leaders Germany are set to face runner-up Ivory Coast next in their clash set for June 25 after having opened their 2026 campaign with a big 7-1 win over debutants Curacao.
