In coverage of Germany against Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Wilson referred to the German national anthem by its former title of "Deutschland Über Alles", which many Germans find offensive due to its former usage by Nazis. He apologized over Twitter for his mistake. The BBC received complaints on the issue, and stated "In referring to the German national anthem, commentator Steve Wilson made a genuine mistake which has been acknowledged, and we apologise for any offence caused."