Artist Robert Wyland has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and other entities, alleging the illegal destruction of his 1,580-square-meter whale mural in downtown Dallas to promote the 2026 World Cup. Wyland claims the World Cup organizers, building owner, and management company painted over his artwork, which had stood for nearly three decades, without his consent, violating the federal Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990. The lawsuit asserts that this action irrevocably destroyed a civic landmark and that FIFA misrepresented their efforts as developing art for the host city. While local organizers state new artwork is planned and a portion of the mural will be preserved, Wyland seeks substantial damages for the alleged defacement of his recognized public artwork, "Whaling Wall 82."