Artist Wyland expresses anger as FIFA covers his famous Whaling Wall mural in Dallas for the World Cup

Artist Criticizes FIFA for Covering Iconic Mural

A conservation artist has expressed strong disapproval of FIFA and local Dallas officials for painting over his well-known whale mural in advance of the 2026 World Cup. Country music star Kacey Musgraves has also voiced her frustration regarding this decision.

Robert Wyland, who goes by Wyland, stated he was never consulted before workers obliterated his expansive “Ocean Life” mural in blue paint in downtown Dallas this week, replacing it with FIFA’s artwork. This mural, created over 25 years ago, holds significant value for both the artist and the community.

Wyland pointedly remarked, “The one with the capital L is a lie,” after a member of a North Texas FIFA committee claimed to have reached out to him about replacing the mural for the World Cup. He felt deceived by these assertions.

In his own words, “They picked the wrong artist. I’ll fight against this all the way. I’m calling on the Dallas community to support me.”

The mural, which features six humpback whales swimming in deep blue water, covers a wall that is 82 feet tall and 164 feet wide. According to Wyland, his work aims to highlight the environmental harm caused by urban settings.

“At first glance, it’s just a beautiful whale painting,” he noted, “but it has a deeper message.”

This mural was painted over as FIFA gears up to showcase new World Cup-themed art in Dallas, which is one of the cities hosting matches for this summer’s tournament.

FIFA released a statement expressing eagerness to unveil titles that capture the energy and unity surrounding the upcoming World Cup. However, Wyland disputed that any changes had his approval, indicating no one from FIFA, the city, or the property management had contacted him or the Wyland Foundation.

He raised concerns regarding public art protections under the federal Visual Artist Rights Act, suggesting that this incident could set a dangerous precedent for artists if their work is altered or destroyed without consent.

Kacey Musgraves, a Texas local, fueled the backlash by sharing news of the mural’s removal. In her Instagram post, she lamented, “So sad. We’re sucking the soul out of everything.”

Dallas is set to host nine matches at AT&T Stadium during the World Cup, which will be temporarily renamed Dallas Stadium as per FIFA regulations. Yet, Wyland asserts the loss of his mural will be a lingering issue.