Taking A Stand: Werder Bremen Scrap US Tour Over ‘Political Reasons’

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 21:34 IST

Werder Bremen cancelled their US summer tour citing unrest in Minneapolis, stricter entry rules, economic risks, and alignment with club values, as confirmed by a spokesperson.

Werder Bremen have cancelled plans for a summer tour of the United States, citing “sporting, economic and political reasons," a club spokesperson confirmed on Saturday.

The Bundesliga side had been preparing for friendlies in Minneapolis and Detroit in May, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. But the trip has now been shelved, with the club saying the situation in Minneapolis, where federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been heavily deployed amid unrest, played a significant role.

“Playing in a city where there is unrest and people have been shot does not fit with our values," the spokesperson said.

Two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead in January during mass protests against ICE’s presence in Minneapolis. The crackdown forms part of immigration measures under US President Donald Trump.

The club also pointed to stricter US entry requirements, including reviews of social media activity.

“It was unclear to us which players would be able to enter the USA at all due to the stricter entry requirements," the spokesperson added.

Sporting and Financial Concerns

Bremen’s league position further complicated planning. The four-time German champions, last Bundesliga winners in 2004, currently sit 16th, in the relegation playoff spot.

According to the club, the threat of relegation created “certain economic risks" and made it harder to commit to a transatlantic tour.

European clubs frequently travel to the United States in the off-season to build their international profile. But Bremen, one of Germany’s more politically outspoken clubs, have long taken firm stances on social issues.

In 2024, they left X, formerly Twitter, citing the rise of “hate speech" under owner Elon Musk.

On Friday, Bremen coach Daniel Thioune also condemned racism following allegations made by Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s win over Benfica, saying discrimination has “no place in football and should not have a place anywhere in society."

(with AFP inputs)

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