Could the Z 120-300mm f/2.8 be a surprise addition to Nikon’s World Cup squad? I’ll be keeping an eye on the sidelines

Falarin Balogun of United States celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the international friendly match between United States and Senegal at Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2026.

Last month, the ‘Big N’ announced that it was developing the Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, and if the latest tip-off from Nikon Rumors is to be believed, it sounds like it’s well into the development cycle. According to the rumor website, “select photographers” will have access to the lens at the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico will face South Africa at Mexico City Stadium. If this turns out to be true, I’m hoping an official release isn’t too far off.

This is pure conjecture, but I’ve been wondering if the Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S will be launched alongside the heavily rumored Nikon Z9 II. It’s certainly not lost on me that this lens’s DSLR predecessor, the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, was released alongside the Nikon D6 flagship DSLR back in 2020.