World Cup photojournalist packed 'must-haves' for Mexico assignment

A South Korean photojournalist covering the 2026 North, Central American World Cup in Mexico found that the "extra" items packed for a long-term assignment were, in fact, essential. The initial 23kg luggage allowance for the trip, which began with a transit through Los Angeles before heading to Guadalajara, Mexico, gradually lightened as the journalist spent more time away from home.

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This is the first time I've had a long-term assignment with an undetermined duration, as I don't know how far the South Korean national team will advance.

Items like dried anchovies to accompany instant rice, and tick-repellent pads for the accommodation, were among the "must-haves" that initially seemed like "why bother?" choices. The journalist reported that the tick pads seemed effective, though it was unclear if it was due to the pads or the absence of ticks. The real lifesaver, however, was a multi-pot provided by the journalist's mother. This appliance proved indispensable for preparing instant rice and ramen after long days of covering matches, especially after a bout of stomach issues hit early one morning.

"If I didn't have the multi-pot, the stomach bug wouldn't have ended in 24 hours," the journalist noted, emphasizing its importance after relying on instant rice boiled in the pot for two days. While some packed items, like faucet and shower filters, proved incompatible with the local accommodations, the journalist resorted to using bottled water for brushing teeth and showering with tap water.

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If I didn't have the multi-pot, the stomach bug wouldn't have ended in 24 hours.

The article also delves into the high-tech equipment used for coverage. The journalist rented the latest Canon R1 camera bodies and an RF 100-300mm lens for the World Cup. This gear was tested during the AFC Women's Champions League semi-finals, where the R1's autofocus performed exceptionally well even in heavy rain. The new lens was chosen over older models for its wider aperture, crucial for shooting evening soccer matches in Mexico where lighting conditions are often poor. The journalist also mentioned that other photographers have experienced equipment theft, leading to a constant state of vigilance and the need for separate insurance on rented gear.

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The new RF 100-300mm lens was chosen over the older EF 200-400mm lens because its maximum aperture is F4 even with a 1.4x extender, which is essential for shooting evening matches.