LA Stadium Workers Threaten World Cup Strike

Union demands better conditions, calls for ICE exclusion from matches

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A hospitality union representing around 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has threatened to strike during the 2026 World Cup. The union, Unite Here, is demanding improvements to working conditions and is urging FIFA to keep US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents away from the matches.

Why it matters

The potential strike by stadium workers could disrupt the high-profile World Cup matches scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium. The union's demands highlight ongoing concerns about labor rights and the treatment of immigrant workers in the lead-up to the global soccer tournament.

The details

Unite Here co-president D. Taylor said the union is seeking better pay, benefits, and working conditions for its members who work concessions, security, and other hospitality roles at the stadium. The union is also calling on FIFA to prevent ICE agents from patrolling or operating at World Cup matches, citing concerns that the presence of immigration authorities could deter some fans and workers from attending.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 8 to July 7, 2026.
  • Unite Here has threatened to strike during the World Cup matches held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The players

Unite Here

A hospitality workers union that represents around 2,000 employees at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

D. Taylor

The co-president of Unite Here.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal law enforcement agency that investigates and enforces immigration laws.

SoFi Stadium

A professional football stadium located in Los Angeles, California that is scheduled to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're demanding better pay, better benefits, and better working conditions for the workers who make the World Cup happen.”

— D. Taylor, Co-president, Unite Here

“FIFA must keep ICE away from the World Cup matches. Their presence could deter fans and workers from attending.”

— D. Taylor, Co-president, Unite Here

What’s next

Unite Here plans to continue negotiations with stadium management and FIFA representatives in the coming months to address their demands before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The potential labor dispute at SoFi Stadium highlights the broader challenges of hosting a major international sporting event, as organizers must balance the interests of workers, fans, and immigration authorities.