Animal rights organization PETA has formally requested FIFA to terminate its sponsorship agreement with Budweiser for both the upcoming Women's World Cup and the 2026 Men's World Cup. The organization's grievance centers around Budweiser's alleged practice of amputating the tailbones of its Clydesdale horses.

In a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo outlined the organization's concerns, stating that the tailbone amputations are performed solely for cosmetic purposes and lack any medical justification. PETA claims this practice inflicts unnecessary pain, disrupts the horses' balance, and removes their natural defense against insects. They also emphasize the importance of tails for equine communication.

The letter highlights that both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association oppose tail severing unless medically necessary. Furthermore, several European countries and ten U.S. states have banned the practice. PETA suggests that if Budweiser's concern is tail hair entanglement in hitch equipment, braiding and wrapping the tails would be a humane alternative.

PETA argues that Budweiser's portrayal of the Clydesdales as symbols of American values clashes with the alleged mistreatment. The organization implores FIFA to engage with Anheuser-Busch InBev, Budweiser's parent company, to cease the practice and, if unsuccessful, to drop Budweiser as a sponsor.

At the time of reporting, neither FIFA nor Anheuser-Busch InBev had responded to requests for comment on the matter.