German Soccer Club Cancels Minnesota US Trip Over ICE Violence and Strict Player Entry Rules

Werder Bremen have cancelled a planned trip to the United States, calling off a May visit that was expected to include stops in Minnesota and Detroit and two friendly matches. A club spokesperson told Reuters on 20 February 2026 the decision reflected sporting, economic and political concerns.

The club cited unrest in Minnesota linked to actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alongside uncertainty over whether all players would be able to enter under stricter requirements. The tour had been reported in US and German media, but opponents for the matches had not been confirmed.

ICE Violence In Minnesota Raises Immediate Safety Questions

The cancellation follows the fatal shooting of two US citizens by federal agents in Minnesota last month, which the club referenced when explaining its decision. Werder framed the issue as one of safety and basic suitability for hosting football matches tied to the club's identity.

A spokesperson confirmed: 'It is correct that we cancelled a planned trip to Minnesota in the United States. There were sporting, economic and political reasons for this,' The club linked that assessment directly to concerns about unrest in the area.

Why Unrest Clashes With Werder Bremen's Values

Werder made clear the environment around the proposed fixtures mattered as much as the sporting value of the friendlies. 'Playing in a city where there is unrest and people have been shot does not fit with our values. Furthermore, it was unclear to us which players would be able to enter the USA at all due to the stricter entry requirements.'

The club did not announce an alternative destination for the May window, leaving the immediate focus on domestic commitments. With no confirmed opponents and a tightening schedule, the balance tipped towards staying in Germany.

Stricter Player Entry Rules Add An Unpredictable Sporting Risk

The spokesperson's comments also pointed to practical uncertainty, suggesting the squad might not have been able to travel in full even if the tour had gone ahead. That kind of doubt complicates planning for friendlies, where coaching staff typically want clarity on personnel well in advance.​

Werder said it was 'unclear' which players would be able to enter the USA due to stricter entry requirements, a key factor in the decision to cancel. The club treated that uncertainty as a competitive and operational risk, not a minor administrative issue.

Bundesliga Relegation Fight And Economic Risks Tip The Balance

Werder's difficult Bundesliga campaign also influenced the decision, with the club in 16th place, the relegation play-off spot. Bremen are winless in their last 12 league matches and have 19 points ahead of Sunday's visit to second-from-bottom St Pauli, who have 17 points from 22 games.

The spokesperson added: 'We are currently facing a very challenging sporting situation, which also makes planning such a trip difficult. There have also been certain economic risks.' With relegation pressure mounting and the squad's availability for international travel uncertain, the club determined that a May tour to the United States was an unnecessary risk — on and off the pitch.