A large, beloved whale mural in Dallas is being painted over to make way for artwork connected to the upcoming World Cup matches, prompting public outcry. The New York Times reports that the artist Wyland says the whale artwork was covered as part of preparations for the event. Coverage in The Independent describes the mural as a well-known landmark in the city and says many residents reacted with anger after the change was announced and carried out. The reports frame the dispute around broader questions of how public art is handled when major international events are hosted, and what is prioritized by city or event planners. While the sources focus on the backlash, they agree on the central facts: the whale mural is removed or covered, the replacement is World Cup-related, and the action draws criticism from members of the public who value the existing mural. The issue centers on the fate of the artwork and community concerns about altering established public pieces for event-driven programming.