With just over two months until kickoff, FIFA is confronting a major operational risk: a potential strike involving thousands of stadium workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The venue, one of the flagship stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is scheduled to host eight matches — including the opening game on U.S. soil.
Labor tensions escalate
The threat stems from UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents around 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium, including food service staff and hospitality personnel.
Negotiations with stadium operator Legends Global have stalled after the previous labor agreement expired, with union leaders warning that strike action is now a “realistic†possibility.
Key demands and concerns
At the heart of the dispute are multiple issues — from wages and subcontracting practices to concerns over automation and artificial intelligence potentially replacing jobs.
The union is also demanding guarantees that immigration enforcement agencies, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will not be present around World Cup venues, citing safety fears among workers.
Additionally, the group has called on FIFA to allocate part of its projected multi-billion-dollar revenues toward local affordable housing initiatives in Los Angeles.
High stakes for opening matches
The stakes are particularly high given that the U.S. national team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, is set to play two group-stage matches at the stadium.
Any disruption could significantly impact the tournament’s early momentum, especially with global attention focused on the opening fixtures.
Broader political and economic pressure
The situation is further complicated by the scale of the event. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has projected revenues exceeding $11 billion for the tournament, amplifying scrutiny over how those funds are distributed.
Meanwhile, tensions around short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and their impact on local housing markets have added another layer to the dispute.
A familiar pattern
UNITE HERE Local 11 has a track record of industrial action, having organized more than 175 strikes across the region between 2023 and 2024.
With negotiations ongoing and time running out, the possibility of a strike vote ahead of the opening match is firmly on the table.
Bigger picture
For FIFA, the crisis highlights a recurring challenge of mega-events: balancing commercial success with local economic and social realities.
If unresolved, the dispute risks turning one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles into a flashpoint for labor rights — just as the global spotlight arrives in Los Angeles.