SoFi Stadium strike workers now reach ‘tentative’ new decision on eve of the 2026 World Cup

A potentially major disruption to the 2026 World Cup appears to have been avoided after workers at SoFi Stadium reached a tentative agreement with their employer just days before the tournament gets underway.

The development comes ahead of the United States' opening match against Paraguay, with SoFi Stadium set to host eight World Cup fixtures over the coming weeks.

SoFi Stadium workers reach deal amid strikes ahead of USMNT vs Paraguay

Unite Here Local 11, which represents around 2,000 concession workers at SoFi Stadium, announced on Tuesday that it had reached a ‘tentative agreement' with Legends Hospitality following a period of tense negotiations.

The union had previously voted to authorise strike action after talks stalled over a range of issues, including pay, job security and protections relating to immigration enforcement.

However, after fresh discussions, union leaders confirmed an agreement had been reached. In a statement, the union said: “We won every major issue we brought to the table.”

One of the most notable elements of the proposed agreement is the preservation of workers' right to strike in response to immigration enforcement raids at the workplace.

Union members are set to vote on ratifying the deal, which would run through until April 2028, providing stability through both the World Cup and also the Los Angeles Olympics.

The agreement removes the immediate threat of industrial action just three days before the USMNT kicks off their campaign against Paraguay at the 70,000-capacity SoFi Stadium.

FGG says: This is the last thing FIFA and organisers needed to worry about

For all the controversies already surrounding this World Cup, the prospect of strike action at one of the tournament's flagship venues would have been another unwelcome headline.

SoFi Stadium is hosting the USMNT's opening match and several other major fixtures, meaning any disruption to staffing, food services, or stadium operations would have attracted huge attention from around the world.

Thankfully, common sense appears to have prevailed.

The World Cup has already faced criticism over ticket prices, transport costs, entry issues and fan experience concerns.

The last thing organisers needed days before kick-off was uncertainty surrounding stadium operations at one of the competition's most important venues.