NYC Considers Temporary Street Renamings to Honor Soccer Legends Ahead of World Cup

Proposed legislation would temporarily rename intersections after Thierry Henry and Pelé to celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the tri-state region.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:37pm

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New York City is considering temporarily renaming two street intersections to honor soccer legends Thierry Henry and Pelé in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. City Councilmember Virginia Maloney has introduced legislation to co-name an intersection in Midtown 'Thierry Henry Way' after the retired French star, while Councilmember Shanel Thomas-Henry proposed renaming a Queens intersection 'Pelé Way' after the late Brazilian legend. The temporary renamings would be in effect from the start of the World Cup festivities until November 1.

Why it matters

The proposed street renamings are part of a broader effort by the New York City Council to generate tourism interest and economic activity ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will have several matches played in the tri-state region. By honoring two of soccer's all-time greats, the city hopes to celebrate the global sport's arrival and engage local communities across the five boroughs.

The details

The Thierry Henry intersection would be at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in Midtown, near Rockefeller Center where fan events are planned. The Pelé Way intersection would be at Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens, near Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center which will host World Cup activities. The temporary renamings would take effect immediately if passed and expire on November 1.

  • The legislation was introduced on April 19, 2026.
  • The temporary street renamings would be in effect from the start of the World Cup festivities until November 1, 2026.

The players

Virginia Maloney

A New York City Councilmember who introduced the legislation to temporarily rename an intersection in Midtown 'Thierry Henry Way'.

Shanel Thomas-Henry

A New York City Councilmember who proposed renaming a Queens intersection 'Pelé Way'.

Thierry Henry

A retired French soccer player who played for Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls, and now calls New York City home.

Pelé

A late Brazilian soccer legend who played three seasons with the New York Cosmos.

Julie Menin

The New York City Council Speaker, who said the street renamings are part of a broader package to drive economic activity and showcase the city during the World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“Thierry Henry Way will be in the district I'm proud to represent running alongside Rockefeller Center, where hundreds of thousands of fans will gather for free viewing parties.”

— Virginia Maloney, New York City Councilmember

“Co-naming this street 'Pelé Way' is a tribute not just to Pelé's extraordinary legacy, but to the unifying power of soccer to bring people together across cultures, languages, and generations.”

— Shanel Thomas-Henry, New York City Councilmember

“With the World Cup coming to New York City this summer, we have a unique opportunity to drive economic activity and showcase our city to the world. This package ensures that the benefits don't only stay in a few neighborhoods, but reach small businesses and communities across all five boroughs. By centering equity and accessibility, we can make this a moment that delivers for all New Yorkers.”

— Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker

What’s next

The proposals to temporarily rename the intersections were referred to the New York City Council's Parks and Recreation Committee for consideration.

The takeaway

The proposed street renamings are a creative way for New York City to celebrate the arrival of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and engage local communities across the five boroughs. By honoring global soccer legends like Thierry Henry and Pelé, the city aims to generate excitement and economic activity ahead of this major international sporting event.