Strike Threat Looms from LA Stadium Workers Before FIFA World Cup 2026

Local workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted in large numbers to allow a possible strike during the FIFA World Cup 2026, just a few days before the tournament starts.

The Unite Here Local 11 union, which speaks for around 2,000 food and drink staff at the stadium, is asking for higher wages and also wants guarantees that federal immigration officers will not be allowed inside the venue.

About 96% of those who voted backed the move, which means they can stop work at any time if needed, with the World Cup set to begin on Thursday.

“Contract negotiations with stadium food service operator Legends Global and FIFA have not had significant progress on key economic and workplace safety issues,” said the union in a detailed statement.

To resolve the impending strike, fresh discussions are planned for Monday, just before the first World Cup game in the United States on June 12.

SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020 and cost over $5 billion to build, is the most expensive sports stadium in the world. It will stage eight high-profile matches during the upcoming mega event.

“If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos,” said the union in a statement.

The union has asked for permission for workers to leave their jobs if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers show up at SoFi during World Cup matches. This fear has been developed due to the ongoing conduct of ICE which is heavily criticized by human rights groups for carrying out aggressive raids in several US cities, including Los Angeles.

Stadium staff are also worried about being required to hand over personal details to FIFA in order to get World Cup accreditation, with concerns that this information could end up being shared with ICE.

“The FIFA World Cup will generate enormous profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and security. We deserve better, and if that means going on strike, I’m ready.” said the stadium bartender Cesar Zamora said in a statement.