Before kickoff, labor tensions shadow World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published April 8, 2026

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A union representing about 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood has warned of a possible strike if its demands are not addressed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, opening a new front in preparations for one of the tournament’s headline host cities. The venue, officially referred to by FIFA during the tournament as Los Angeles Stadium, is scheduled to host eight matches, including the United States’ opening game against Paraguay on June 12.

Unite Here Local 11 said the workers still do not have a labor contract as the event draws closer. The union said its demands to FIFA and the stadium’s ownership include a public commitment that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, will not be involved in World Cup operations in Los Angeles. It is also seeking protections for union jobs, improved working conditions, affordable housing support for hospitality workers, and safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence and automation to eliminate jobs.

Reuters reported that the union linked those demands to wider concerns about the safety of workers and guests after a U.S. official said ICE would play a “key part” during the tournament. The union also said it had repeatedly sought meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was selected as a host city, but had not received a response. FIFA and stadium officials did not immediately comment.

The dispute puts labor and immigration concerns into the World Cup conversation months before kickoff, at a time when public attention had largely focused on football and tournament logistics. That is an editorial characterization based on the timing and substance of the dispute.