Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, represented by Unite Here Local 11, voted 96% in favor of authorizing a potential strike during the 2026 World Cup [1, 2, 3]. The union represents about 2,000 food and beverage workers including cooks, dishwashers, bartenders, and hospitality staff [1, 4, 5].
The strike authorization allows workers to walk off the job at any time, though the World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with SoFi Stadium hosting eight matches [1, 6, 7]. Contract talks with Legends Global, the stadium’s food service operator, and FIFA have stalled without significant progress on pay and workplace safety issues [1, 8, 5]. New negotiations are set for June 8, just days before the tournament starts [1, 2, 3].
Union demands include better wages and guarantees that federal immigration agents from ICE will not be allowed into the stadium during the World Cup [1, 4]. Workers fear information collected for FIFA accreditation could be shared with ICE, raising safety concerns [1, 8]. The union demands that if ICE agents cause a “reasonable fear for safety,” workers should be allowed to walk out [1, 5]. ICE has previously faced criticism from rights groups for aggressive raids in Los Angeles [1].
Kurt Petersen, union co-president, warned that if forced to strike, the luxury US$100,000 FIFA suites will be left stocked only with bottled water and Doritos. Petersen said, “If we’re forced to strike, those US$100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos” [1, 2].
Bartender Cesar Zamora said, “The FIFA World Cup will generate enormous profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and security. We deserve better, and if that means going on strike, I’m ready” [1, 5].
SoFi Stadium, the world’s most expensive sports venue with a construction cost exceeding US$5 billion, opened in 2020 [1, 4]. It will host the first World Cup matches on US soil, starting June 12 [1]. The union and operators will hold new contract talks on June 8, three days before the tournament kickoff [1, 2].
