Environmental artist Wyland filed a $25 million lawsuit in Texas federal court after FIFA and its partners painted over his eight‑story "Ocean life" mural in downtown Dallas. The work, part of a 1999 series highlighting ocean pollution, had become a city landmark. Wyland claims the destruction violated federal law protecting artists' recognized works.

The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee said the mural was being replaced with new artwork to "celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026." The committee declined comment to ESPN. Local residents, singer Kacey Musgraves and others condemned the act, with a petition demanding FIFA fund a replacement mural gathering over 2,600 signatures.

Wyland's legal team argues the artist never signed a waiver permitting alteration, making the paint‑over unlawful. Dallas will host nine matches, including a semifinal, giving the city high visibility during the tournament. The lawsuit now pits a global sports body against a prominent public‑art advocate, testing how cultural heritage is weighed against commercial event planning.