Los Angeles – Stadium workers near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a work stoppage ahead of preparations for the stadium to host the United States’ opening match at the 2026 World Cup.
This will make 2,000 workers, including bartenders, waiters, chefs, and dishwashers at the SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, go on strike.
The decision came after contract talks with the stadium’s food service provider stalled.
The vote comes days before the stadium near Los Angeles is set to host the United States’ opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay.
Union member Yolanda Fierro said that unless an agreement is reached, workers could strike for the June 12, 2026 match.
Fierro said workers are concerned about wages and job security amid increased immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be present at the game to help with security, but not civil immigration enforcement.
“What is the point of the 2026 World Cup for Los Angeles if workers don’t get enough money to pay the rent and have to choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?”
“If we’re forced to go on strike, the $100,000 FIFA suite will only contain mineral water and Doritos,” said Kurt Petersen, Vice President of UNITE HERE Local 11 – a sports arena union in California and Arizona.
Legends Global, which handles hospitality services at SoFi, said its company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.
“We look forward to providing an exceptional hospitality experience for fans at the 2026 World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, local time.
Petersen said contract talks have been going very slowly. He said Legends had agreed to minimum wage increases for cooks and dishwashers and wage freezes for some suite attendants and bartenders despite the 2026 World Cup expected to generate huge revenues.
The labor union also asked Legends to provide protection from subcontracts and potential federal immigration raids.
Cesar Zamora, a bartender at the stadium, said he was a lifelong football fan and was deeply saddened to see his employer not make the necessary changes before this big event.
“The 2026 World Cup will generate huge profits, but we are still struggling to get basic respect and security.”
“We deserve better. If that means going on strike, I’m ready,” he said in a statement.
Community groups in other 2026 World Cup host cities, such as Atlanta and Miami, have also called for a halt to US immigration enforcement during the games, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could dampen the mood.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to soccer matches played in June and July 2026 in 11 U.S. host cities as well as Canada and Mexico.
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