FIFA facing 'significant' World Cup problem as SoFi Stadium workers set for strike vote

[Omaha Steve]

SoFi Stadium workers protested against ICE last month, a key issue in their bargaining sessions with stadium operators. Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7317374/2026/05/29/sofi-stadium-strike-world-cup/?unlocked_article_code=1.mVA.UwNo._TOtqGb8rj1D&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

By Adam Crafton
May 29, 2026 Updated 3:06 pm CDT

The union which represents more than 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium has broken off negotiations with the stadium operators and plans to hold a strike vote next week ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

UNITE HERE Local 11 represents workers at the venue who largely work in food and beverage concessions, including cooks, servers and bartenders.

The group’s preparedness to call a strike vote was first reported by The Athletic in early April. The potential strike action threatens to impact eight World Cup matches at the venue, which is the home of the NFL’s two Los Angeles teams, the Chargers and the Rams. SoFi will host the opening World Cup match in the United States, when the USMNT plays Paraguay on June 12.

The previous bargaining agreement between the union and the stadium’s operator, Legends Global, has expired. Multiple bargaining sessions, held at the venue, have now failed to reach agreements, leaving FIFA at ongoing risk of a strike. In an interview with The Athletic, the union’s co-President Kurt Petersen said they broke off negotiations with Legends on Tuesday lunchtime.

FULL story at gift link above.

[Lovie777]

1. Why would ICE be there?.......................

intimidation, fear mongering, harassment, hatred, arrests, deportation without due process.

Enough.

SoFi is across the street from the Inglewood Commentary, and Briarwood Condos alongwith other condos on Manchester Blvd. between Prairie and Crenshaw. West of SoFi are residential homes, further down downtown Inglewood. North and South are residential too.

The last time I drove there SoFi and the other stadiums on Prairie are between Manchester Blvd. and across Century Blvd.

That being said, that part of Inglewood is very diverse. The presence of ICE in tactical gear will be very uneasy.