For many, the World Cup is an event not attended in person. Despite being one of the largest tournaments ever, with more countries involved, additional matches, and fans spending more on tickets, the majority experience it through television.

In 2022, FIFA reported that 1.5 billion people viewed the World Cup final on TV. Expectations suggest this year’s numbers may surpass that. While there’s significant focus on attending the event live, it’s crucial to recognize its televised nature.

Unique imagery from the World Cup often arises from photographers distant from the event. These creatives capture the action through their screens, producing fresh visual interpretations. For instance, Paris-based photographer Bilal Aouffen creatively photographs screens through water, transforming the live action into abstract, dreamy visuals.

Brazil’s Gabriel Rolim goes a step further by using a modified Game Boy camera to document the event. His work on Instagram showcases playful animations, presenting a pixelated sense of nostalgia.

Moroccan photographer Karim Ouakkaha captures emotional moments like the Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir’s defeat. The image’s digital blurring amplifies the somber mood.

In Washington, artist Jared Soares prints and crumples monochrome TV images of matches, adding a tactile element. This method creates striking visuals of players and fans in dramatic moments.