FIFA World Cup 2026 Faces Fresh Controversy as SoFi Stadium Workers Authorize Strike

Just days before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, one of the tournament's flagship venues has found itself at the centre of a growing labour dispute.

Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to authorise a strike, raising concerns over staffing and matchday operations ahead of the World Cup. The venue is scheduled to host several matches during the tournament, including the United States' opening fixture against Paraguay.

According to reports, approximately 2,000 hospitality workers - including bartenders, cooks, servers and dishwashers - have backed strike action after contract negotiations with stadium hospitality provider Legends Global failed to reach an agreement.

Why are workers threatening to strike?

The dispute extends beyond wages.

Workers have voiced concerns about pay, job security and protections amid increased immigration enforcement under the administration of United States President Donald Trump.

Union representatives argue that many employees are struggling with the rising cost of living despite working at one of the most high-profile sporting venues in the country.

"What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don't earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?" said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.

He added that a strike could significantly impact hospitality services during the tournament.

> "If we're forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos."

Immigration concerns become major talking point

The labour dispute has also highlighted growing concerns among workers about potential immigration enforcement activity around World Cup venues.

Although Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that the Department of Homeland Security would be involved only in tournament security operations and not immigration enforcement, labour groups remain unconvinced.

The union is reportedly seeking guarantees against subcontracting as well as additional protections for workers who fear potential immigration raids.

Similar concerns have emerged in other host cities, including Atlanta and Miami, where community organisations have called for a temporary pause on immigration enforcement during the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup SoFi Stadium operator responds

Legends Global, which manages hospitality services at SoFi Stadium, said it remains committed to reaching a deal.

"We have a longstanding relationship with the union and remain committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations," the company said in a statement.

The company also stressed that it expects to deliver a high-quality experience for supporters attending World Cup matches at the venue.

What it means for the FIFA World Cup

The strike has not yet been confirmed, but workers now have the authority to walk off the job from June 13 if negotiations continue to stall.

That creates an unwanted distraction for FIFA ahead of a tournament expected to attract millions of supporters across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The expanded 48-team World Cup will feature a record 104 matches between June 11 and July 19, making it the largest tournament in FIFA history.

While organisers remain confident the competition will proceed smoothly, the dispute serves as a reminder that preparations off the pitch can be just as important as those on it.