SoFi Stadium Strike Threat Ends Ahead of USA's World Cup Opener in Los Angeles

The World Cup will start this week, with Mexico taking on South Africa at the Estadio Ateca on June 11. The following day, the USMNT will play its opening game against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium).

Ahead of the World Cup, reports from Los Angeles suggested that many SoFi Stadium workers were planning to strike.

FOX 11 Los Angeles reported that around 2,000 hospitality workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 were prepared to walk off the job following a 96% strike authorization vote.

This includes cooks, dishwashers, concession workers, bartenders, and servers at the SoFi Stadium.

The strike threat has ended after workers at SoFi Stadium reached a historic tentative labor agreement featuring massive wage increases and unique protections. The next step would be the worker ratification vote tomorrow.

FOX 11 Los Angeles reported that the dispute centered on negotiations with Legends Global, the company that operates food and beverage services at SoFi Stadium.

If the contract is approved by the membership, the agreement will be finalized, which would secure stadium operations for the World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium.

SoFi Stadium will host 8 World Cup games, including five group stage matches, two Round of 32 matches, and one quarterfinal.

What are the Union's Key Demands?

According to FOX 11 Los Angeles, the Union wanted three key demands to be met to avoid a major strike at SoFi Stadium for the World Cup.

SoFi Stadium workers wanted better pay, strict protections from AI technology that could hurt union positions, and security assurances that avoid involvement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Workers will reportedly have the right to walk off the job if ICE creates a fear for safety. Higher pay will be necessary due to the living costs in Los Angeles.

The agreement is expected to be announced tomorrow, and hospitality workers are expected to work for the eight games at SoFi Stadium this summer, starting Friday for the USMNT vs Paraguay match.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:33 PM.