With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off at SoFi Stadium in less than two weeks, tensions are mounting between workers and organizers over labor conditions.
SoFi Stadium, which will be referred to as Los Angeles Stadium due to FIFA’s sponsorship rules, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches and is also set to be a venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The primary concerns for the workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 11, include the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, lack of clarity on work hours, and the use of subcontractors. According to LAmag, the workers’ union is also demanding that FIFA refrain from using artificial intelligence for job security reasons. The union has scheduled a strike vote for Thursday and Friday, which could lead to a strike if their demands are not met.
UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents over 30,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona, is particularly concerned about ICE’s involvement. A poll by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland shows that 65% of Americans oppose ICE agents being stationed at World Cup venues. Despite this, federal officials have confirmed ICE’s role in security, focusing on counterfeit goods, human trafficking, and terrorist threats.
The union has also filed a complaint with California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alleging that FIFA requires employees to submit personal data for background checks, which could expose them to ICE scrutiny. UNITE HERE Local 11 co-president Kurt Petersen stated that the workers feel their concerns are not being taken seriously by Legends Global, the stadium’s operator.
A spokesperson for Legends Global expressed commitment to reaching a fair agreement through negotiations, emphasizing the company’s long-standing relationship with the union. As the World Cup approaches, the outcome of the strike vote could significantly impact the event’s preparations.
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