WOMEN
Lena Wurzenberger’s VIP seat sparks controversy Germany win
Germany’s 1‑0 victory over Ivory Coast at the World Cup was shadowed by the conspicuous presence of Lena Wurzenberger, 34, who sat in a VIP spot directly behind coach Julian Nagelsmann’s dugout, fueling media debate over the girlfriend’s role in the German camp.
Lena Wurzenberger, a former journalist for , left her job when she fell in love with Julian Nagelsmann, who is 38. The story was reported by journalist Stephan Keygnaert in New York on 21 June 2026.
Lena travelled to America with Nagelsmann, meeting each morning at the players’ hotel before cycling together to the training field, a routine that falls outside the usual protocol.
During Germany’s first group match against Curaçao, Lena occupied a VIP seat behind the dugout rather than joining the players’ wives, and it was unclear whether she enjoyed a similar seat for the Ivory Coast game.
wrote, “No one has ever been like Lena,” and the called her “the World Cup’s most controversial WAG,” highlighting the media attention surrounding her.
Former player Lothar Matthäus said, “Lena comes into view too much.” Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness called Nagelsmann an excellent trainer and said his dismissal was premature; Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had doubts in March 2023, prompting a ski trip with Lena.
In the Ivory Coast match Germany displayed high tempo and pressure, with Nagelsmann’s tactical approach likened to Vincent Kompany’s philosophy; ex‑Union striker Deniz Undav scored two goals to secure the win.
Referee Emerse Faé was involved in a heated exchange with Nagelsmann during the match, adding to the off‑field drama surrounding the German side.