LOS ANGELES — Unite Here Local 11, a hospitality union representing about 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, threatened to strike during the 2026 World Cup if FIFA leaders do not address concerns about working conditions and the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The union's co-president, Kurt Petersen, outlined the demands in a letter sent to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Stan Kroenke, the billionaire sports mogul who built the stadium.

SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches this summer. Between June and July, Los Angeles is estimated to see 150,000 more out-of-town visitors than is typical for that period, a surge that would affect demand for food service, hospitality, and other stadium operations staffed by union members.

In the letter, Petersen called for FIFA to abide by fair working practices, citing allegations of wage theft overseas during past World Cup tournaments. He also demanded that the international soccer governing body issue a public statement saying that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has no place in Los Angeles or at the World Cup matches.

"But behind every meal served and every drink served will be workers who deserve more than promises. They deserve safe and fair working conditions and a community they can afford to live in," Petersen wrote.

Beyond labor and immigration demands, Petersen characterized Airbnb as a factor contributing to the city's shortage of affordable housing and requested that FIFA cut ties with the company. He also called on FIFA to contribute to a housing fund for hospitality workers. Earlier this year, Airbnb introduced a $750 incentive for first-time hosts in North American cities holding World Cup matches.

The question of ICE's presence at World Cup venues has separately been raised at the federal level. In February, New Jersey congresswoman Nellie Pou asked ICE acting director Todd Lyons at a House hearing whether the agency would pause enforcement operations during this year's tournament. "ICE, specifically homeland security investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup," Lyons said at the hearing.

Neither FIFA nor the operators of SoFi Stadium have publicly responded to the union's strike threat or its specific demands. Kroenke, who received the letter alongside Infantino, has not issued a statement.