This year’s World Cup has generated countless images. AP photographers pick their favorites
For news organizations, the World Cup is one of the most complex recurring stories on the planet. It’s not just about match results. It’s politics, economics, culture, human rights, celebrity, nationalism, and spectacle — all unfolding in real time, across dozens of countries, with audiences who care deeply.
This year’s World Cup was spread over three countries and numerous time zones — and featured 40 more matches than the previous edition. It has showcased The Associated Press’ extensive photographer presence across North America and Mexico, with staff photographers covering many matches in their home cities.
News agencies like AP operate as the backbone of global coverage, becoming the eyes and ears for outlets that can’t send their own teams. They chase not only the goals but the moments between them: the fan rituals, the geopolitical tensions, the controversies, and the stories of star players who carry the hopes of entire countries on their shoulders.
For the media, the World Cup is also a test of neutrality. When billions of people are emotionally invested, every headline, every photo, every framing choice is scrutinized.
In an era when attention is fractured across platforms and algorithms, the World Cup remains one of the last truly communal experiences. It’s a reminder that despite our divisions, we still crave shared stories — and the media still plays a crucial role in shaping how those stories are told.
The Associated Press had over 60 photographers covering the World Cup over 40 days in three countries, documenting 104 matches and sending almost 10,000 photos to customers. For this gallery, 16 AP photographers chose their favorite images.
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Tony Hicks, AP’s deputy director of photography for global sports, has covered nine World Cup finals.
Fans celebrate during a watch party for a World Cup soccer match against Bosnia at the KC Live! entertainment district, July 1, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Fans celebrate during a watch party for a World Cup soccer match against Bosnia at the KC Live! entertainment district, July 1, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
...the tournament has brought the world together as locals and international visitors get the opportunity to know each other better. It truly did make the world a smaller place.”
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Canada’s Jonathan David (10) go for a header during a World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Canada’s Jonathan David (10) go for a header during a World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
One of the challenges of covering any major event, whether it be the World Cup or the Olympics, is trying to show people something they haven’t seen before.”
Australia’s Aiden O’Neill (13) battles for the ball with Paraguay’s Matias Galarza (23) during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Paraguay and Australia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Australia’s Aiden O’Neill (13) battles for the ball with Paraguay’s Matias Galarza (23) during the World Cup Group D soccer match between Paraguay and Australia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
It’s always privilege to document moments that become part of a football history and to create the images that people will remember.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, July 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, July 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
It is so exhilarating seeing people from all around the world gathered in one place, draped in their nation’s colors, chanting in their native languages, and unified by the love of soccer.”
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa returns to the field after the half time during a World Cup Group A soccer match against Czechia in Mexico City, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa returns to the field after the half time during a World Cup Group A soccer match against Czechia in Mexico City, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Sometimes the quiet moments reveal the emotions and the human side of the game.”
Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Singo connects on a bicycle kick as Ecuador’s Alan Franco attempts a header during a World Cup Group E soccer match in Philadelphia, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Singo connects on a bicycle kick as Ecuador’s Alan Franco attempts a header during a World Cup Group E soccer match in Philadelphia, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
This photo is a simple reminder of what we do best.”
Egypt’s Emam Ashour (8) scores the opening goal past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach (18) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Egypt’s Emam Ashour (8) scores the opening goal past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach (18) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
This image really works because it gives you that intimate look into what happens inside the net during those scoring moments in a big important match.”
Congo players and staff pray after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Congo players and staff pray after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
I approach each match like I do any other sporting event, or news event for that matter. I’m looking for moments.”
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
But in the World Cup, everything is different. Like crowds from each country show an emotion. You learn new cultures, new things about the culture of every country.”
Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane embrace at the end of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane embrace at the end of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
It sounds really cheesy, but for me, it’s really a moment of global connection and appreciation.”
Norway’s Erling Haaland scores his second goal past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Norway’s Erling Haaland scores his second goal past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The fans, the energy, the competition is way above what I usually expect at a place like this.”
Sweden’s Yasin Ayari (18) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between Sweden and Tunisia in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Sweden’s Yasin Ayari (18) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between Sweden and Tunisia in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
“This World Cup is a melting pot that reflects global migration.”
United States’ Alex Freeman (16) scores their second goal against Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
United States’ Alex Freeman (16) scores their second goal against Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
And for me, there’s definitely been an element of hometown pride, being from the Seattle area and having the world come to us, essentially.”
United States’ Malik Tillman (17) scores their second goal from a free kick during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
United States’ Malik Tillman (17) scores their second goal from a free kick during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
I cover Bundesliga and Champions League matches for 30 years now. But the World Cup, which takes place only every four years is always the absolute highlight.”
Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg celebrates after Qatar’s Mohamed Manai scores an own goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg celebrates after Qatar’s Mohamed Manai scores an own goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
I love covering the World Cup because I’ve never covered any other event that really brings the world together as much as this one does.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
I think it works because you can feel the emotion, you can the relief from him that he was living up to his expectations.”