The article is part of a series called 'Untold World Cup Stories,' which aims to delve into the lesser-known narratives from the World Cups spanning from 2002 to 2022. It focuses particularly on the 2006 World Cup held in Germany and highlights the experience of journalists covering the event while navigating the presence of the WAGs, who were the wives and girlfriends of players. The author sets the scene in Baden-Baden, where the journalists were staying at a luxurious hotel that also accommodated the families of the England football squad.

As the journalists arrived at the Brenners Park Hotel and Spa, their presence seemed to surprise a representative from the Football Association, who was there to assist the WAGs. This interaction hints at the tension and complexity of the relationships between the media and the families of athletes, especially during such a high-profile event. The article reflects on how the emergence of the 'WAG' phenomenon—characterized by the glamour and public visibility of players’ partners—created a new layer of narrative during the World Cup.

The retrospective not only revisits the cultural impact of the WAGs during the 2006 tournament but also examines how this phenomenon continues to influence football culture today. With the upcoming World Cup, looking back at these instances offers context on the evolution of media coverage and public perception of players and their loved ones, making it a relevant commentary on sports, society, and celebrity status in the context of football.