One Extraordinary Photo: Congo players and staff gather in prayer after a win

By: Mike Stewart, The Associated Press Posted: 2:06 PM CDT Sunday, Jun. 28, 2026

ATLANTA (AP) — Mike Stewart is a chief photographer in the Southern USA for The Associated Press. He is a 2021 Pulitzer Prize winner and is based in Atlanta. Stewart covers sports, news and enterprise stories for the AP.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Why this photo?

I thought a photograph of players on a World Cup team gathering with staff praying in the middle of the field was significant. That happened Saturday after Congo’s victory against Uzbekistan. In my almost four decades of photojournalism, it was one of the most unique things I have seen in any professional sport.

Congo players and staff pray after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

How I made this photo

Standing in the tribune or overhead position, shooting the jubilation of Congo’s victory, I kept searching for more. When I saw the team after the celebration was over come together for a prayer, I made the photo with a 400 mm lens on a Sony A9 iii.

Why it works

The photo works because it’s unique. It’s something that people don’t see every day. For hundreds of millions of people, the power of prayer is powerful.