Fort Worth’s tourism agency has tapped local artist Matt Cliff to create a special edition poster titled “Howdy World,” a visual ode to the city’s heritage and its role in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The artwork, unveiled this week, weaves familiar Texas motifs — such as the historic Stockyards sign repurposed as a soccer net and a longhorn named Molly standing in as goalkeeper — into a dynamic scene of a faceless cowboy kicking a ball.
A Texas‑Styled Tribute
Cliff described the piece as a love letter to his hometown, designed to sit alongside the official Dallas World Cup poster he also produced. While Dallas’s version showcases the city skyline with a soccer ball perched on the Reunion Tower, Fort Worth’s design leans into its western roots, using the iconic Stockyards sign and longhorn imagery to capture a distinctly Texan spirit.
The poster will be released in a run of 350 prints, with 100 signed by Cliff and priced at $50 each, while the remaining unsigned copies will be available for $30. Prospective buyers can purchase the artwork directly through the Visit Fort Worth website starting June 17, marking a limited‑time opportunity for both collectors and soccer enthusiasts.
Beyond the Pitch
Tom Martens, vice president of creative, film and music at Visit Fort Worth, emphasized that the poster serves as a bridge between local culture and the global tournament, aiming to make Fort Worth “the most Texas city in Texas” for visiting fans. Though not an official FIFA‑sanctioned design, the artwork is part of a broader citywide branding effort intended to attract international travelers drawn by the World Cup’s momentum.
The release coincides with a series of cultural and sporting events across the region, including matches scheduled in nearby Arlington and Dallas. By highlighting landmarks such as the Stockyards and the longhorn mascot, the poster seeks to embed Fort Worth’s unique identity into the worldwide conversation surrounding the 2026 tournament.