FIFA is facing a global backlash after the organisation released, then quietly deleted, the first official poster for the 2026 World Cup following intense criticism for excluding Cristiano Ronaldo. The poster, posted across FIFA’s social media accounts, did not feature one of the most recognisable and influential players in football history, leading to a wave of public outrage from fans across continents.

Within hours of the poster’s debut, thousands of comments flooded FIFA’s pages, questioning how a tournament celebrating global football could omit a player whose impact, longevity and record-breaking achievements still dominate the sport. The criticism intensified to the point that FIFA removed the design entirely, without offering a formal explanation.

The controversy quickly escalated as football analysts and supporters argued that the omission felt intentional rather than an oversight. Ronaldo remains one of the world’s most followed athletes, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the all-time leading goalscorer in international football. His absence from a flagship World Cup promotional visual triggered accusations that FIFA was disregarding his legacy despite his defining influence over multiple tournament cycles.

The poster controversy also reignited long-running tensions among fan bases, with many noting that other top stars were prominently displayed while Ronaldo was completely sidelined. On social media, hashtags calling out FIFA’s decision surged within minutes, particularly across Europe, South America and Africa, where Ronaldo maintains massive followings.

Observers say the deletion suggests FIFA recognised the scale of the backlash and the sensitivity around excluding a figure whose presence has shaped the sport for more than two decades. While Ronaldo is nearing the twilight of his career, analysts argue that his global relevance remains unmatched, making the decision more difficult for FIFA to defend.

The removal has now sparked broader debate about how football governing bodies handle the legacy of older but iconic players in major tournament branding. Many argue that football culture is built on both present talent and historic impact, and that Ronaldo’s absence from an official poster misses the balance fans expect.

As FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, this incident has already raised questions about future promotional campaigns and whether the organisation will adjust its approach in response to the criticism. For now, FIFA has not issued a statement, leaving the deleted poster as an unspoken admission that the decision backfired on a global scale.