As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a symbolic initiative in New York City involving Thierry Henry is causing unexpected reactions.
The trauma remains intact in Ireland. In November 2009, the French team secured their qualification for the 2010 World Cup after a famous play-off against Ireland. A match marked by Thierry Henry’s handball before the decisive goal scored by William Gallas in extra time.
Despite Thierry Henry’s expressed regrets over the years, the episode remains deeply ingrained in the Irish collective memory. And nearly two decades later, this historical frustration has resurfaced in an unexpected and original way.
Just weeks before the launch of the 2026 World Cup, held from June 11 to July 19 in North America, New York City is preparing several symbolic events around the tournament. According to Radio-Canada, some officials wish to temporarily rename several intersections in the city after football legends.
An initiative sparking reactions
Among the figures mentioned are Pelé, who could be honored in Queens, as well as Thierry Henry, whose name could be given to an intersection located between 50th Street and 6th Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan. Virginia Maloney, the council member behind this initiative, highlights the strong ties between the former French striker and New York, where he has partly resided since his time with the New York Red Bulls.
But the idea is far from unanimous among part of the American-Irish community, still affected by the 2009 play-off. “It broke my heart. It’s a bad idea,” “I don’t want to speak for all of Ireland, but at the time, I felt rage,” “It’s a low blow, a cheap shot,” reactions have been multiplying for several days, showing that the memory remains very sensitive for many Irish supporters. It remains to be seen whether this future “Thierry Henry Way” will actually come to fruition this summer, as other football legends’ names could still be proposed before the city council vote.
