Published on 6/21/2026
The German national team’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, criticized the photographers’ position during the national anthem ceremony before the World Cup matches, similar to his compatriot, the England national team’s coach, Thomas Tuchel.
According to the coaches, photographers stand directly in front of the technical staff and obstruct their view of the players during the national anthem moments.
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“The really crazy thing here is how close they are to us,” Nagelsmann said after Germany qualified for the knockout rounds thanks to a 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire. “I feel as if a huge camera lens is taking pictures of my nose hair from a centimeter away.”
He added: “This is very close, very close indeed. You cannot see anything clearly. I think there are better solutions to this problem.”
Tuchel’s complaint
Tuchel complained about the same thing after England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening of its World Cup campaign, stressing that he lost a special and poignant moment due to the positioning of photographers.
Nagelsmann said: “I don’t know to what extent we are allowed to grumble or complain, but I agree with Thomas Tuchel. It is indeed an emotional moment when you communicate with the players during the playing of the national anthem.”
The Germany coach pointed out that photographers are stationed closer to the bench than usually happens in German League or Champions League matches.
Following Tuchel’s criticism, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that it would make adjustments to the locations of photographers during the pre-match ceremonies.
