A labour dispute is casting a shadow over the FIFA World Cup in the United States just a week before kickoff. Workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have overwhelmingly backed strike action as negotiations over wages and working conditions remain unresolved.
Workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of a strike
Around 2,000 food service employees at SoFi Stadium voted to authorise a strike after talks with Legends Global, the company managing food and beverage operations at the venue, failed to produce a new agreement.
According to Unite Here Local 11, which represents the workers, 96% of members supported the move, as cited by Mint.
The union includes bartenders, cooks, dishwashers and concession workers. Talks between the two sides are expected to resume on Monday.
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World Cup opener could be affected
The timing of the dispute has drawn attention because SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the United States men's team's opening group-stage match against Paraguay on June 12, as per Mint reports.
Tickets for that fixture reportedly start at around $2,000, making it one of the tournament's most anticipated games.
The venue, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is one of the marquee stadiums selected for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Concerns extend beyond wages
Apart from seeking higher pay and improved job protections, workers have also expressed concerns over immigration-related issues. Union representatives have called for safeguards to prevent workers' personal information from being shared with immigration authorities and have sought assurances regarding the role of federal immigration agents during the tournament.
The issue has gained attention amid broader debates around immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna recently said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would assist with stadium security during the World Cup.
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Negotiations continue before kickoff
Despite the strike authorisation, no walkout has been announced yet. Union leaders and stadium operators are expected to continue negotiations in the coming days in an effort to reach an agreement before the World Cup gets underway. Whether a deal can be reached before the United States takes the field against Paraguay remains one of the key questions ahead of the tournament.
