Matt Cliff, a creative artist from Fort Worth, crafted the host city poster for the FIFA World Cup in Dallas.
Rewritten Article:
Matt Cliff's FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas Poster: A Fusion of Texas Heritage and Soccer Spirit
Matt Cliff, a Fort Worth-based artist, has made a name for himself by crafting unique artwork for big names in music, like North Texas natives Leon Bridges and Post Malone, as well as powerhouse brands such as the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. But his latest project—the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas host city poster—beams his work onto the global stage.
"It's a massive thrill,” Cliff says. "It's not often that my work is seen by so many people, especially on a stage as grand as the World Cup."
The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee revealed Cliff's final design during an April event at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. FIFA World Cup aims to showcase the distinct culture and history of each of the 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by featuring local artists.
Cliff secured the spot in late January after championing the host city poster competition. His design will grace Dallas-Fort Worth throughout the entirety of the FIFA World Cup, from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Arlington takes the crown as the city hosting the most matches, with nine. TCU and Mansfield stand as potential base camps for teams to train, rest, and gear up for matches.
So, what sparked Cliff's ideas for the Dallas poster? Here's a breakdown of his creative process.
Design Analysis
When tackling the design, Cliff knew that paying homage to Fort Worth's twisted ranch heritage was crucial. However, he also wanted to integrate Dallas' urban flair. To strike the right balance, Cliff settled on a cowboy as the poster's focal point, with the Dallas skyline serving as the backdrop. A soccer ball atop the Reunion Tower signified the connection between soccer and the two contrasting cultures.
"The blend of Texas' Old West legacy against the backdrop of contemporary city life intrigues me," Cliff explains. "The juxtaposition between the two eras is what makes Dallas unique."
Cliff didn't want the cowboy to merely stand there. Instead, he wanted to emphasize soccer by depicting the cowboy performing a bicycle kick as he flings the ball. This dynamic pose gives the poster energy while allowing Cliff to sneakily conceal the cowboy's face, an intentional choice as an artist.
"The image is a mysterious, versatile figure that can represent anyone," he explains. "There's no specific ethnicity attached to it."
The poster's colors acknowledge the vibrant hues of the Texas flag, Cliff reveals. According to him, simplicity and boldness are essential components in art. "The navy blue and contrasting red are the standout elements that add tension to the design," he adds.
As he steps back to admire the finished product, the Fort Worth artist can't help but feel proud. What once started as a simple celebration of Texas has grown into an iconic piece that will be etched into Dallas' history.
"It's a surreal feeling to see my artwork alongside others, inspiring people, and hoping to ignite their creativity," Cliff says. "I hope that kids, maybe even adults, see the poster and feel encouraged to create their own masterpieces."
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected] or @davidmreports.*
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This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Enrichment Data:The design of Matt Cliff's official FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas host city poster was inspired by several key elements:
- Texas Heritage: Cliff aimed to reflect the iconic western heritage of North Texas, blending it with the modern metropolitan feel of Dallas. This juxtaposition of old and new captures the essence of the region[2].
- Cultural Fusion: The poster symbolizes how soccer connects diverse cultures and communities. Cliff incorporated both the traditional cowboy culture and contemporary elements to highlight this fusion[2][5].
- Simplicity and Authenticity: Cliff wanted the design to be simple yet unmistakably Texas. He aimed to capture the spirit, culture, and energy of Dallas and its surrounding areas without unnecessary embellishments[3][4].
- Global and Local Connection: The poster bridges soccer's global appeal with the local atmosphere of Dallas. It features bold colors, detailed artwork, and the use of a soccer ball to connect these contrasting cultures[5].
- Personal Roots: As a Fort Worth native with deep connections to North Texas, Cliff drew from his familiarity with the region to create an authentic representation of its identity[5].
- Matt Cliff, renowned for his work with musicians like Leon Bridges and Post Malone, and sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, has created an iconic design for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas poster.
- The Dallas poster design is a harmonious blend of Texas heritage, with its cowboy motif, and the urban flare of Dallas, represented by the city skyline.
- Maybe, future artists will find inspiration in Matt Cliff's work, embracing the opportunity to platform their unique talents on a global stage like the World Cup.
- With the FIFA World Cup aiming to showcase the distinctive culture and history of each host city, the Dallas poster is a quintessential representation of the city's distinctive identity, fusing sports and football with local heritage.
