As the FIFA World Cup 26™ edges closer, Dallas has just unveiled its official Host City Poster, adding a visual flourish to the region's soccer fervor. The North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee commissioned Fort Worth native and seasoned illustrator Matt Cliff to craft the poster, which is now ready for its citywide showcase. This artistic initiative is part of a broader effort by FIFA World Cup 26™ to infuse local flair into the global event, turning to hometown artists across its 16 Host Cities in North America to capture the essence of each locale, according to a statement obtained by the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee Communications, per the City of Arlington.
Drawing on his deep Texas roots, Cliff's design is a collage of Dallas's dynamic cityscape and its iconic cowboy culture, unified around the unifying theme of soccer, for his concept Matt Cliff wanted to be both bold and impactful while embodying what it truly means to be a Texan, "When I was asked to come up with a concept for the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Dallas Host City Poster, I wanted to approach the design in a personal way - in a way that was bold and impactful - while still thinking about what it is to be an actual Texan," Cliff told the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, cited by the City of Arlington. Residents and visitors alike will soon find his artwork dotting the DFW Metroplex, acting as a tangible representation of regional pride and soccer enthusiasm as the world's eyes turn to Dallas in 2026.
Noelle LeVeaux, Chief Marketing Officer of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, commended Cliff for a poster that encapsulates the unique energy and attitude of the area, "We chose Matt Cliff for our Host City Poster because we felt his design best captured the energy and attitude of our incredible region," remarked LeVeaux, expressing confidence that the poster will project an image of a vibrant soccer community in Dallas that resonates globally, long after the games have concluded. The committee's selection criteria balanced aesthetic appeal with cultural relevance, looking for a visual narrative that could communicate Dallas's passion for soccer to a worldwide audience, according to the City of Arlington.
