SoFi Stadium workers authorise strike ahead of US World Cup opener
SoFi Stadium’s concessions workforce has voted to authorise strike action days before the venue hosts the United States’ opening 2026 World Cup match, increasing operational risk for FIFA and the Los Angeles host effort.
More than 2,000 hospitality and concessions workers at SoFi Stadium have voted to authorise a strike just days before the venue stages the United States’ first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The vote puts pressure on stadium operator Legends as FIFA and local organisers lock down matchday delivery plans for a tournament expected to run at peak heat and peak demand across North America.Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 are seeking a new labour agreement and have linked the dispute to pay, job security and workplace protections, including concerns about immigration enforcement at major events.UNITE HERE Local 11 said: “SoFi Stadium cashiers, dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, concessions workers, and food attendants have voted 96 per cent in favour of authorising a strike, meaning workers could walk off the job at any moment if their demands are not met.”SoFi is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, making the labour dispute bigger than a single fixture. The venue is also a premium hospitality asset in the tournament plan, which means any disruption would land hardest on food and beverage service, suites and sponsor hosting.The union has argued a strike would be particularly difficult to mitigate because FIFA requires stadium event staff to pass background checks, limiting the ability to replace workers at short notice without disrupting entry processes and in-venue operations.Legends has struck a more optimistic tone publicly, emphasising continuity and a willingness to reach a deal while planning to deliver FIFA’s service standards.A Legends spokesperson said: “Legends Global has enjoyed a strong relationship with Unite Here Local 11 for more than a decade and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement through good faith negotiations. We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium.”The vote does not guarantee a walkout, but it gives the union leverage and flexibility on timing, which creates uncertainty for staffing rosters and event-day contingencies.The dispute also sits inside a broader tournament narrative around the intersection of security, immigration policy and workforce protections, with unions and community groups in multiple host markets pressing organisers on how enforcement activity could affect workers and fans.Talks are expected to continue, with both sides facing a narrow window to resolve the dispute before the opening match on US soil, where any service disruption would be highly visible to broadcasters, commercial partners and travelling supporters.