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Our staff photographers share their experiences covering the 2026 World Cup in all its glory.
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They captured moments of elite soccer players from around the world as teams were cheered on by fans waving flags, carrying scarves and sporting a colorful mosaic of soccer jerseys at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The national teams from Algeria, Australia, Austria, Jordan, Paraguay, Qatar, Switzerland and Turkey all played, with the final game in Santa Clara featuring the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the U.S. advancing to the Round of 16.
Here are our staff photographer’s thoughts and experiences shared through words and some of their favorite images.
Ray Chavez
Growing up in Mexico City, I spent my childhood playing fútbol and watching legends like Pelé and Maradona. When my World Cup media credential was approved for the matches at Levi’s Stadium, it was a dream come true. I always wanted to cover the world’s most popular sporting event, Fútbol. I covered four matches. Two were from the pitch, where shooting was tough due to cramped spaces and photographers blocking the action at tight angles. In fact, a few arguments broke out among colleagues, though no yellow or red cards were issued! The other two matches were from the stands, which offered better high-angle views and more room to breathe.
It was fun to see a joyous atmosphere full of color and rich ethnic diversity. Fans with painted faces, team jerseys and ethnic attire representing their nation’s culture interacted amicably with rival supporters. These peaceful photo-ops proved that the World Cup brings nations together rather than dividing them.
I witnessed history when Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón received a red card against Turkey, the first ever issued under FIFA’s new rule penalizing players for covering their mouths while approaching an opponent. Also, fans heavily booed the new mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and combined with lengthy VAR reviews, these pauses slowed the game down, making fútbol feel too much like American football, which is divided into quarters.
My World Cup coverage concluded with a 2-0 USA victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’ve been a staff photographer for 32 years, and I don’t think I will have another opportunity to cover a World Cup unless my bosses want to send me overseas… ¡Viva El Fútbol!
Shae Hammond
I’m very thankful for my experience photographing the World Cup.
There were many special moments, including walking onto the field for the first game between Qatar and Switzerland, fans reaching out to me via email to show their appreciation, taking pictures of the games during sunset and seeing beautiful light on the field, and seeing photographer friends who had traveled to capture the games.
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It was special to be a part of a major event and see fans from around the world enjoy San Jose and the Bay Area.
Nhat V. Meyer
When I texted my best friend from high school, Eric, that I was covering the Paraguay versus Australia match, he said, “Dude. Wish I could be there.” Although we grew up in Colorado, he has an affinity for Paraguay because he spent two years there on his mission and loved his time there.
The fans, as with all of the World Cup fans, were passionate about their teams. I photographed Francisco from Paraguay with his 8-year-old son on his shoulders, also named Francisco. I used my rudimentary Spanish to communicate with the father, letting him know that I worked for a newspaper and wanted to take a photo of him and his son. I was drawn to them because Francisco was sitting on Francisco’s shoulders while holding his father’s jaw. My daughter does the same thing.
In addition to covering a few of the games, I was also assigned a bunch of watch parties at San Pedro Square in San Jose. It was great to see the city recognized as the epicenter of soccer in the Bay Area. People came from all over the Bay Area, and it truly became a soccer destination. I have never seen San Pedro Square so overflowing with tens of thousands of fans screaming their lungs out for their team.
Jane Tyska
I’ve been a photojournalist for over 30 years, have covered five NBA Finals, three Super Bowls and three World Series, but this was my first opportunity to cover the World Cup.
Access is everything, and it’s truly exciting to be right there on the pitch, photographing from what would be the end zone in an NFL football game. I also shot pictures from an upper position at the 50-yard line, which gave great views of the team introductions, opening ceremonies and great angles on both goals.
One of the best parts was the excitement of the fans, many of whom had traveled great distances to represent and support their countries, many draped in flags and face paint.
I think what struck me most was the international aspect of the sport and the friendly camaraderie between teams from all over the globe. I feel that soccer is a sport that transcends any political strife and truly brings the world together.
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This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 6:14 AM.