Key Takeaways:
- FIFA altered its 2026 World Cup official poster following widespread criticism over Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence
- The updated artwork now features Ronaldo alongside memorable scenes from the 2022 Qatar World Cup
- Lionel Messi with the trophy and Youssef En-Nesyri’s decisive header are also highlighted on the new poster
FIFA Responds to Fan Backlash
FIFA has withdrawn its initial 2026 World Cup official poster after receiving considerable negative feedback regarding the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo. The original image was released on FIFA’s official social media channels, where it encountered a swift and vocal response from fans decrying Ronaldo’s exclusion.
🚨 FIFA’s official account has 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 the official 2026 World Cup poster from its social media pages! 😱❌
They deleted it after receiving a large number of negative comments because Cristiano Ronaldo was not included on the poster. 👀
FIFA then added Cristiano Ronaldo… pic.twitter.com/27IzXbEzqT
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 21, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Added to New Design
In response to fan demands, FIFA has released a revised version of the poster that now prominently features the Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo. This update comes as FIFA seeks to acknowledge the prolific career and global popularity of one of football’s most recognised figures.
Celebrating Iconic World Cup Moments
The modified poster does not only incorporate Ronaldo; it also reflects on historic highlights from the last World Cup in Qatar. Amongst these, Lionel Messi is shown celebrating with the trophy, commemorating Argentina’s triumph, alongside the unforgettable moment when Youssef En-Nesyri scored a decisive header that resulted in Portugal’s elimination.
| Poster Version | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Original | Excluded Cristiano Ronaldo; lacked major 2022 Qatar World Cup moments |
| Revised | Included Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi with trophy, and Youssef En-Nesyri’s header |
Recognising Legendary Football Figures
With the revised artwork, FIFA has aimed to strike a balance between honouring legendary talent and highlighting emotionally resonant moments cherished by fans worldwide. By featuring both Cristiano Ronaldo and pivotal scenes from the 2022 tournament, FIFA acknowledges the passion and sentiment of the global football community.
