The People Behind the FIFA World Cup
As photographers, we’re hired to capture the goals, celebrations, heartbreak, and defining moments that millions of fans will remember.
But after covering four FIFA World Cup matches in Dallas, I’ve found myself just as drawn to the people who make those moments possible.
The Volunteers
Every major sporting event relies on thousands of volunteers.
The FIFA World Cup is no different.
From helping fans find their seats to carrying the enormous tournament flags before kickoff, directing traffic, answering questions, and making sure every small detail runs smoothly, these volunteers are everywhere. They work long days, often in the Texas heat, and while they receive a few perks—a uniform, some meals, and the experience itself—they aren’t doing it for a paycheck.
They’re doing it because they want to be part of something bigger.
The reality is that many of the world’s biggest sporting events couldn’t happen without them. The PGA TOUR, the Olympic Games, World Championships, and now the FIFA World Cup all depend on people willing to donate their time so millions of others can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
As I continue covering the tournament for AFP, I wanted to spend a little time photographing these often-overlooked people. My assignment is to document the action on the field, but these volunteers are part of the story too.
They deserve to be seen.
The Fans
Every match at Dallas Stadium has brought more than 70,000 people together.
What’s amazed me isn’t just the size of the crowds—it’s how different each one feels.
Every nation brings its own songs, traditions, colors, and personality. Walking around before kickoff feels like traveling the world without ever leaving Dallas.
One of my favorite parts of this tournament has actually happened away from the stadium. I’ve loved watching videos from cities across the United States, seeing supporters from every corner of the globe gathering together, celebrating, singing, and sharing their cultures with one another.
For all the division that often dominates the headlines, this World Cup has reminded me what sport can do.
It brings people together.
It creates conversations between complete strangers.
And for a few hours, it reminds us that the beautiful game speaks a language everyone understands.
I honestly believe this World Cup has been something our country needed—even if we didn’t realize it.
These are a few of my favorite photographs of the volunteers and fans from Japan vs. Sweden in Dallas.
The goals will be remembered.
The stars will make the headlines.
But it’s the people in the stands and the people behind the scenes who give the tournament its heart.
