Summary
- New York City has paid a special tribute to football greatness by temporarily renaming streets after legendary players Thierry Henry and Pele, just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
- In downtown Manhattan, fans and officials gathered at the intersection of West 50th Street and 6th Avenue to unveil “Thierry Henry Way.” The ceremony drew attention from football supporters and city leaders, who described the gesture as a celebration of a player who left a lasting mark on world football and Major League Soccer.
- According to the New York City Council, both honorary street names will remain in place until November 1, allowing residents and tourists to experience a unique football-themed cityscape during the World Cup period.
New York City has paid a special tribute to football greatness by temporarily renaming streets after legendary players Thierry Henry and Pele, just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America.
The move comes as excitement builds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which are jointly hosting the expanded 48-team tournament. The competition kicks off this Thursday, with the final set to be played next month at the iconic MetLife Stadium—renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium” for the event—located just outside Manhattan.
In downtown Manhattan, fans and officials gathered at the intersection of West 50th Street and 6th Avenue to unveil “Thierry Henry Way.” The ceremony drew attention from football supporters and city leaders, who described the gesture as a celebration of a player who left a lasting mark on world football and Major League Soccer.
Henry, who won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France, expressed his gratitude in a recorded message shared on social media. He said he looked forward to visiting the newly named street the next time he is in New York, near landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker also spent several successful years playing for the New York Red Bulls, further strengthening his connection with the city.
City officials also honored Brazilian icon Pele by renaming an intersection in Queens, located at Shea Road and Meridian Road. The tribute highlights Pele’s global influence and his role in shaping modern football as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
According to the New York City Council, both honorary street names will remain in place until November 1, allowing residents and tourists to experience a unique football-themed cityscape during the World Cup period.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, New York’s symbolic gestures reflect the growing global excitement for the tournament, turning the city into a temporary celebration hub for the world’s most popular sport.
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