Miami labor groups demand FIFA meet worker protections ahead of World Cup

Local organizations claim the Miami World Cup Host Committee has failed to uphold human rights and fair labor standards.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Labor and civil rights organizations in Miami are demanding better worker protections from FIFA and the Miami-Dade World Cup Host Committee ahead of the global soccer tournament this summer. They claim the host committee has not provided a Human Rights Action Plan and has hired non-union contractors using unskilled laborers who don't meet local minimum wage standards.

Why it matters

Miami-Dade is hosting seven World Cup matches this summer at Hard Rock Stadium, for which local municipalities have spent around $53 million. The groups argue that without strong labor standards, the World Cup will create a 'shadow economy' instead of real economic opportunities.

The details

During a news conference, organizers said the Miami host committee has failed to uphold human rights, fair labor standards, and community protections. They claim the committee has met their proposals in a 'patronizing way' with little consideration. Immigrant rights groups have also called on FIFA to support a moratorium on ICE arrests and detention transfers during the games.

  • The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026.
  • The first match in Miami is scheduled for June 15, 2026.

The players

Miami World Cup Host Committee

The local organizing committee responsible for hosting the World Cup matches in Miami-Dade County.

Jonathan Alingu

Co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs with Justice, one of the labor organizations demanding better protections.

Katherine Passley

Co-executive director for Beyond the Bars, another labor rights group involved in the demands.

Alina Hudak

President and CEO of the Miami World Cup Host Committee, and former deputy mayor for Miami-Dade County.

Rodney Barreto

Co-chair of the Miami World Cup Host Committee executive committee.

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What they’re saying

“Our proposals have been met in a patronizing way, with little consideration and no transparency or reciprocity.”

— Jonathan Alingu, Co-executive director, Central Florida Jobs with Justice

“Without strong labor standards, the World Cup doesn't create opportunities, but [instead creates] a shadow economy.”

— Katherine Passley, Co-executive director, Beyond the Bars

“We have met with them multiple times [and] in very good faith.”

— Alina Hudak, President and CEO, Miami World Cup Host Committee

“But some of these things are out of our control. We have nothing to do with ICE, that's a federal government role.”

— Rodney Barreto, Co-chair, Miami World Cup Host Committee Executive Committee

What’s next

The World Cup matches in Miami are scheduled to begin on June 15, 2026, less than two months after the tournament kicks off on June 11.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between local labor and community groups and major sporting event organizers over worker protections and economic benefits. As Miami prepares to host World Cup matches, these groups are demanding more transparency and accountability from the host committee to ensure the tournament creates meaningful opportunities for the local workforce and community.