As World Cup fever builds across North America, New York City has paid tribute to two football icons, Thierry Henry and Pele, by temporarily renaming streets in their honour.

As excitement grows ahead of the FIFA World Cup, New York City has rolled out a special tribute to two of football’s greatest legends, Thierry Henry and Pele.

According to reports monitored by cbinewstv, city officials unveiled “Thierry Henry Way” at the intersection of West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, celebrating the French football icon's contribution to the game and his impact on football in the United States.

Although he could not attend in person, Henry joined the ceremony via video call. The former Arsenal and Barcelona star, who helped France lift the 1998 FIFA World Cup, remains a popular figure in American football circles following his five-year spell with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

New York also honoured Brazilian legend Pele by temporarily renaming the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens after the three-time World Cup winner, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The tributes come as the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, gets underway on Thursday. The tournament's final is scheduled to take place next month at MetLife Stadium, which has been rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium for the competition.

City authorities say the commemorative street names will remain in place until 1 November, allowing football fans and visitors to celebrate the legacy of two players who helped shape the global game.

For many supporters, the gesture is a fitting way to welcome the world's biggest football tournament and honour two legends whose influence continues to inspire generations.

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