The publication of Official World Cup poster It sparked an immediate debate on social media and in the press. In the first poster, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and its replacement by Bruno Fernandes as the face of Portugal, they sparked criticism, to the point that the organization removed the content a few hours later.
In Europe, and especially in Spain, the movement was closely followed. The poster highlighted big names from the continent and featured... Mikel Merino as representative of the Spanish national team, while the episode opened the can of worms about the selection criteria of the protagonists and the weight of marketing in a global product.
From the first poster to FIFA's correction
The first version of the poster featured one player from each team that had already qualified, a total of 42 confirmed teams at that time. For Portugal, the following was chosen: Bruno Fernandesa decision that many fans interpreted as a snub to the Portuguese captain.
The reaction was immediate: official profiles and specialized accounts were flooded with messages questioning the choice. Shortly after, The post disappeared from official channels., a gesture that was interpreted as a response to the wave of critical comments.
The correction then came. In the new poster, Cristiano Ronaldo was incorporated as an image of Portugal and a prominent role appears for Lionel Messi with the World Cup, a composition that calmed some of the initial discontent, although the debate continued to linger.
Who appears on the poster and the European focus
The montage brings together several of the tournament's biggest stars: Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, VinÃcius Jr. and James RodrÃguez These are some of the names that appear, along with figures such as Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane o Heung-min sonIt is a wide selection of protagonists recognizable to the neutral fan.
Looking to Europe, the lineup includes Spanish representation with Mikel Merino and confirms Portugal's central role after the correction, with Cristiano Ronaldo as a point of reference. The composition places the great European powers in prominent positions and reinforces the narrative of their figures.
Reactions on social media and in the press
On X and other platforms, messages appeared questioning why the original poster didn't include the Portuguese captain, with comments highlighting his sporting and media relevanceAt the same time, there were voices that defended creative freedom in design, although they were a minority compared to the wave of criticism.
European media, including several British outlets, reported the withdrawal from the first publication They highlighted the quick response with a version already featuring Cristiano. The increased visibility was also discussed. Messi with the Cup in the center of the composition, as an iconic image of the current title.
What might change on the poster soon
There are still places to be assigned that will be decided in repechages, so the lineup could Stay up to date with the latest classifieds when the available places are filled. This was already included in the first version. the 42 confirmed selectionsleaving room to incorporate those who join later.
The episode leaves several interpretations: a rocky premiere, a swift correction by the organization and a final design that aligns the tournament's biggest stars with special attention to Europe. Spain represented by Mikel Merino With Portugal now including Cristiano on the poster, the conversation is now focused on what the final design will look like when the last tickets come in.
