One of Houston's most iconic restaurants is doing its part to get read for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The warehouse next to the Original Ninfa's on Navigation (2727 Canal St.) now displays a mural by local artist José “Meenr” Arredondo.
Ninfa's has long been an iconic institution in a city famous the world over for its food. Founded in 1973, it almost single-handedly launched the fajita craze in Houston and around the world. Since the city is expected to receive 500,000 visitors when the sports event begins in June, more than a few of them will likely head to Ninfa's for dinner.
Those diners will be greeted by the massive new soccer-themed mural by Arredondo. Currently in progress, it will feature four famous soccer captains from sports history: Kylian Mbappé of France, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Lionel Messi of Argentina, and Edson Álvarez of Arredondo's native Mexico. Though Arredondo moved to Houston at the age of three, he still maintains a deep love of his birth country and wanted to celebrate its contribution to international soccer.
“All four players are captains and I chose them because of everything they have to do to prepare for the World Cup,” he said in a statement. “They train themselves while also leading and caring for their teammates.”
The 160-foot, spray-painted mural is being produced with institutional and financial support from Ninfa's, its owner Legacy Restaurants, and the World Cup, who gifted Arredondo official permission to use its logo.
Arredondo is the perfect artist for the project. He is a lifelong soccer fan, the founder of the Buffalo Bayou Mural Festival, and a frequent contributor of work to the streets of Houston. Adding a mural to Ninfa's re-sparked his artistic fire, which had been lapsed in recent years as other duties demanded his time.
"I haven't painted in two years, because I've put 100 percent of my time into building the festival,” he said. “Thanks to East End community supporter, Telemundo, the generous financial support of The Original Ninfa’s, and collaboration with the East End District this project came to life.”
The mural is slated to be finished later this month and will have an official unveiling. More details will be released in the coming weeks. Across many venues and streets, Houston's transformation into the home of the World Cup is coming together.
