World Cup 2026 at Risk: Workers Threaten Strike Over ICE Presence

Strike Threatens the 2026 World Cup

ICE Sparks Labor Conflict

FIFA Under Growing Pressure

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is at risk and facing a new wave of tension just weeks before kickoff.

Nearly 2,000 workers connected to SoFi Stadium warned of a possible strike.

World Cup 2026 at Risk as It Faces Strike Over ICE Presence

“The 2026 World Cup is full of tensions with workers, but nobody seems outraged. Here, @Fglamas wrote something about the World Cup.”
https://t.co/JUynWZOrSm

— LateralWeb (@WebLateral) May 5, 2026

The conflict centers on the presence of federal immigration agents during the tournament.

Why it matters: A potential strike could affect key services at one of the World Cup host stadiums.

It also introduces uncertainty regarding the event’s security logistics.

Union Demands Limits on ICE Presence

The @LosAngelesFWC26 is coming up fast. The workers who cook the food & serve the drinks @SoFiStadium are asking @FIFAcom to ensure ICE plays NO role in the tournament, citing safety concerns. #mayday #worldcup pic.twitter.com/bdN5u1wWCX

— UNITE HERE Local 11 (@unitehere11) May 1, 2026

The union UNITE HERE Local 11 represents food, beverage, and service workers.

It is currently involved in a dispute with stadium operators and tournament organizers.

The union’s primary demand is to limit the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

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The complaint involves Legends Hospitality, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, and FIFA.

“We are concerned about the safety of guests and workers,” said Kurt Petersen.

“We do not believe anyone is safe if these agencies are present in the stadium environment.”

The conflict comes as preparations continue for matches in Inglewood, an official tournament host city.

Uncertainty remains over the role federal authorities will play in security operations.

World Cup Security Under Scrutiny

Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated that the agency will participate in security operations.

No operational details about that involvement have been released.

This has heightened concerns among workers and civil rights organizations.

More than 100 human rights groups support the union’s request.

They are calling on FIFA to promote a moratorium on immigration enforcement operations during the tournament.

“FIFA could ask that these operations not take place in the context of the World Cup,” Petersen argued.

The tournament is scheduled to last 38 days.

The lack of clarity surrounding ICE’s role remains a major point of tension.

International Concerns and Operational Risks

Amnesty International issued a travel warning for fans.

The organization expressed concerns over immigration policies in the United States.

It also highlighted the lack of specific guarantees for international visitors.

The warning includes possible impacts on attendees during the event.

The labor conflict adds another layer of complexity to tournament logistics.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host this edition of the World Cup.

Several U.S. host cities are expected to see massive crowds.

Coordination among authorities is considered a key part of the security plan.

The Los Angeles situation adds additional pressure to preparations.

A strike at SoFi Stadium would require significant operational adjustments.

Negotiations between the union and involved parties continue without an agreement.

The possibility of a strike remains active.