AP Photojournalist Captures England Fans' Celebration at Santa Monica Pub During World Cup Match

Los Angeles-based Associated Press photojournalist Jae C. Hong documented the atmosphere at Ye Olde King's Head, a Santa Monica English pub, as fans reacted to Harry Kane's goal against Croatia during a World Cup match. Hong, who has spent two decades covering major international events including the Olympic Games, presidential elections, and the Russia-Ukraine war, sought to capture how World Cup moments are experienced in intimate local settings beyond the stadium environment.

Working in challenging low-light conditions within the crowded, packed bar on a Wednesday, Hong employed a 35mm f/1.4 lens and shot at ISO 6400 to freeze the spontaneous reactions of fans. By positioning himself close to the audience and using a wide aperture setting, he was able to capture detailed expressions and reactions while maintaining a clean background that showed the full atmosphere of the room. The photograph captures the moment when fans erupted with enthusiasm following Kane's goal.

According to Hong's account, the resulting image succeeds because it authentically conveys the chaotic, energetic nature of the moment rather than presenting a polished celebration. The photograph contains multiple layers of reaction—from an energetic fan in the foreground to a smiling man anchoring the center frame, with raised arms, phones, flags, and varied expressions visible throughout the background. The composition effectively illustrates how a global sporting moment resonates through local communities and everyday people, documenting the diverse ways World Cup fans around the world experience the tournament.