Workers Threaten Strike at SoFi Stadium Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Union demands FIFA address labor and immigration concerns before tournament

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:38pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in the official colors of the 2026 FIFA World Cup teams, conceptually representing the complex labor and political issues surrounding the event's preparations.The complex labor dispute at SoFi Stadium exposes the broader societal responsibilities of hosting a global sporting event like the World Cup.Los Angeles Today

Thousands of workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, represented by UNITE HERE Local 11, are threatening to strike ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The union's concerns go beyond wages and working conditions, as they are demanding that FIFA take a stand against the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) around World Cup venues, fearing it could lead to raids and intimidation affecting workers, guests, and players.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the complex relationship between sports, politics, and labor rights. The union is not just fighting for its members, but advocating for a safer and more inclusive environment for all. Their demands, which include using World Cup profits to support affordable housing and banning artificial intelligence that could eliminate jobs, put FIFA in a difficult position as it tries to organize the tournament.

The details

The union fears that ICE's involvement could lead to raids and intimidation, affecting not only the workers but also the guests and players. The union is demanding that FIFA take a stand against ICE's involvement, a move that could set a precedent for future events. The union's demands also include using World Cup profits to support affordable housing and banning artificial intelligence that could eliminate jobs.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off in just over two months.

The players

UNITE HERE Local 11

The union representing thousands of workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Kurt Peterson

The co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.

FIFA

The governing body of international football, responsible for organizing the World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“We must take a stand against ICE's involvement, which could lead to raids and intimidation affecting workers, guests, and players.”

— Kurt Peterson, Co-president, UNITE HERE Local 11

What’s next

The union has threatened to strike if their demands are not met, which could have a significant impact on the opening match and the entire World Cup tournament.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the growing expectation that major sporting events like the World Cup should address societal issues and use their platform to drive positive change. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how international organizations like FIFA navigate the complex interplay between sports, politics, and labor rights.