Werder Bremen scrap U.S. summer tour over Minneapolis unrest

Bundesliga club side Werder Bremen have scrapped plans for a summer tour of the United States, citing sporting, economic, and political reasons.

The four-time German champions were preparing for friendlies in Minneapolis and Detroit in May, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, the club has now withdrawn from the trip, stating that proceeding would not align with its values.

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A club spokesperson confirmed the cancellation, saying, “Playing in a city where there is unrest and people have been shot, does not fit with our values.”

Minneapolis has seen significant tensions in recent weeks following the deployment of thousands of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as part of an immigration crackdown by U.S. President Donald Trump. In January, two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead during mass protests against ICE’s presence in the city.

The spokesperson also pointed to new U.S. entry requirements, including reviews of social media activity, as a complicating factor.

“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.

On the sporting side, Bremen currently sit 16th in the Bundesliga, occupying the relegation play-off spot. The risk of relegation, combined with potential financial implications, created what the club described as “certain economic risks” in organising the tour.

European clubs routinely embark on off-season tours to enhance match fitness and expand their global footprint, with the United States a frequent destination.