New York City has paid tribute to two of football’s greatest icons by temporarily renaming streets in honour of Thierry Henry and Pelé, as excitement builds ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kick-off.
The tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11, with the final scheduled for July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will carry a temporary rebrand as the “New York New Jersey Stadium” for the duration of the competition.
In Manhattan, crowds gathered at the junction of West 50th Street and 6th Avenue for the official unveiling of “Thierry Henry Way.”
The ceremony was led by city officials and covered by FOX Sports, marking a symbolic tribute to the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward.
Henry, who played a key role in France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, joined the event virtually via video call.
The 48-year-old also enjoyed a significant spell in Major League Soccer, spending five seasons with New York Red Bulls before leaving in 2014, further strengthening his connection with the city.
Elsewhere in Queens, the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road was renamed in honour of Pelé, recognising the Brazilian legend’s global impact on the sport and his lasting influence on football culture in the United States.
The commemorative street names will remain in place until November 1, serving as part of the city’s wider celebrations leading into and beyond the World Cup period.
