To ensure that breaking news from the world's biggest football event reaches the public quickly, accurately, and vividly, the team of reporters, editors, cameramen, and sports photographers have worked tirelessly. They are likened to the "narrators" of the World Cup , capturing goals, beautiful plays, conveying emotions and culture, and telling heartwarming stories from the sidelines of the tournament.
While the players engage in fierce competition on the field, the press on the sidelines faces an equally intense race. Covering the World Cup is a dream for many sports journalists worldwide. And securing a spot at the tournament is no easy feat. FIFA employs a rigorous vetting process for media outlets and individual reporters applying. The number of press credentials is always limited, while demand from thousands of international media organizations is enormous.
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| Journalist Truong Anh Ngoc is currently covering the 2026 World Cup. |
Only those with official press passes have access to the International Press Centre, press conference area, mixed zone, or specialized workstations near the pitch. Behind the brief news reports or striking photos lies a massive workload. Immediately after the final whistle, analyses, videos , images, and quick news reports must be sent back to the newsroom.
The 2026 World Cup presents a unique challenge as it will be held across three countries for the first time. The distance between the host cities is thousands of kilometers, forcing journalists to constantly travel by plane, adapt to multiple time zones, and maintain a high intensity of work throughout the more than one month of the tournament.
For photojournalists, the pressure is even greater. Hundreds of photographers from leading news agencies around the world compete for every advantageous position along the sidelines to capture decisive moments: a historic goal, a spectacular save, or tears after the match.
The World Cup is not just a football festival, but also a celebration of emotions. Tens of thousands of fans from all over the world flock to the stadiums, creating a vibrant and passionate atmosphere.
However, working amidst crowds also carries many risks. Many reporters broadcasting live are unexpectedly interrupted by fans pushing into the frame, hugging them, or engaging in overly enthusiastic behavior that distracts them. Ensuring the safety of equipment, maintaining a stable connection, and handling unforeseen situations are always challenges for the journalistic team.
In addition, there is pressure from the weather, security, and a packed schedule. A World Cup reporter needs not only professional skills but also good health, adaptability, and strong situational awareness.
For Vietnamese journalists, directly covering the World Cup is always a great honor. However, such opportunities are rare due to the high costs, strict accreditation procedures, and the fact that only a few Vietnamese media outlets send reporters to the scene each World Cup.
A familiar face in Vietnamese sports journalism at World Cups is journalist Truong Anh Ngoc of the Vietnam News Agency. He is one of the few journalists who have directly covered the World Cup, Euro, and other major football tournaments on numerous occasions. His articles, commentary, and on-site reports have provided domestic fans with a vivid perspective on the atmosphere, culture, and behind-the-scenes stories. His Facebook page consistently has tens of thousands of followers who are constantly updating him with information about the 2026 World Cup.
Although their numbers are modest compared to the thousands of international journalists, the presence of Vietnamese reporters at the World Cup always holds special significance. They serve as a bridge, bringing the spirit of the biggest football event on the planet closer to fans at home, from high-stakes matches to stories about the culture, lives, and emotions of fans around the world.
In the spotlight of the World Cup, football stars are always the center of attention. But behind every goal, every historic moment captured and shared with billions of fans, lies the hard work of journalists, photographers, videographers, and technicians who work silently. They stay up all night to meet publication deadlines, travel through cities to follow the teams, and endure pressure from time constraints, physical demands, and professional responsibilities. It is they who contribute to creating the complete picture of the biggest football festival on the planet.
Dang Trieu
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/the-thao/202606/nhung-nguoi-tuong-thuatworld-cup-d085d14/
