Covering my ninth World Cup feels like stepping onto a familiar stage, yet each tournament brings its own rhythm and set of challenges.
I’m based at a Marriott Residence Inn in Irvine, just a short drive from the U.S. training camp, where I share meals with fellow reporters Steven Goff of Yahoo.com and Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.com.
My notebook was filled with notes from Norway’s 2‑0 victory over Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a match that tested my patience as I waited more than an hour to speak with Erling Haaland.
On the train back to Ronkonkoma, I drafted a feature on Haaland, the Borussia Dortmund striker whose physical presence continues to reshape the game.
Among the stories I pursued was that of Joe Scally, a Lake Grove defender who became the first Long Island native to earn a spot on a World Cup roster, a milestone that resonated deeply with local fans.
The Human Side of the Tournament
Beyond the statistics and headlines, the World Cup is a marathon of long hours, crowded press rooms, and the relentless pursuit of a quiet moment with a player amid the chaos of the mixed zone.
From the West Coast to the East, the logistics are demanding, but the stories that emerge — whether it’s a debutant’s pride or a seasoned writer’s reflection — make the journey worthwhile.