Multiple Portugal Players Refuse to Leave Hotel Rooms Over Alligator Sightings at World Cup Camp
The Portugal National team arrived in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, this week with one thing on their minds - the World Cup. What they didn't plan for was the welcome party waiting near the practice fields.
Cristiano Ronaldo touched down with the squad on Friday, fully locked in on what could be one of the most significant tournaments of his career.
At 41-years-old, he's on track to become one of the very few players in history to appear in six World Cup finals in men's soccer. Getting there, though, requires practice. And practice, it turns out, has come with some complications.
Alligators Near Portugal's World Cup Training Base
According to The Touchmine, multiple Portugal players have raised concerns after spotting alligators near the team's training camp in Palm Beach.
Sources close to the squad told the outlet that some players have been reluctant to leave their hotel rooms after seeing what they described as at least four alligators around the practice fields and nearby walking areas.
European players are used to a lot of things. Alligators near the training ground probably aren't one of them.
Multiple Portuguese players at Portugal's national team World Cup training camp in Palm Beach, Florida, have complained about repeated alligator sightings!
— The Touchmine | 𝐓 (@TouchmineX) June 14, 2026
According to sources close to the squad, several players have reportedly refused to leave their hotel rooms after… pic.twitter.com/cXyCOUsLJU
Portuguese newspaper A Bola had already flagged the issue earlier this week, reporting that three alligators were spotted near Portugal's facilities. The team's base sits next to a lake, which is where the reptiles were seen. The outlet described it as an early warning for the Selecao.
Portugal's World Cup headquarters at Gardens North County District Park is an 82-acre venue with modern facilities built for tournament preparation. The Florida wildlife, apparently, came as part of the package.
They're not alone in dealing with it either. Switzerland's camp in San Diego sits next to an active rattlesnake zone and the team reportedly has an official warning map in place for players and staff.
Portugal World Cup Schedule: Group K Fixtures
The squad won't be staying in Palm Beach the whole time. Portugal opens Group K action on June 17 against DR Congo in Houston, Texas, then returns for a second match in Houston on June 23 against Uzbekistan. Their final group stage game is June 27 against Colombia in Miami, Florida.
The team will be flying back and forth from their Palm Beach base between matches. Hopefully, the local handlers get those alligators sorted out before they return from Texas.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 4:09 PM.