SoFi Stadium preparations for the FIFA World Cup
We go to SoFi for a behind-the-scenes look at how the stadium is preparing for the World Cup, its layout and scale, and we talk with a SoFi chef about menu additions for the games.
NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
A union that includes nearly 2,000 SoFi Stadium workers has filed a complaint with California’s attorney general, saying they could be at risk of being targeted by ICE because of FIFA’s accreditation process.
SoFi Stadium is one of 11 U.S. venues hosting World Cup matches this summer, but members of the UNITE HERE Local 11 union fear FIFA’s process violates their rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act.
According to the complaint, via The Athletic, workers were required to share their Social Security number, nationality, address and country of birth. They also had to consent to “the collection, use and disclosure” of their “personal data, including any sensitive personal data, as described in the (FIFA) Privacy Notice.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
SOFI Stadium employees protest outside the Los Angeles office of FIFA World Cup 26 to demand a ban on ICE from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SOFI Stadium during the summer tournament. (Frédéric J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
The complaint also reportedly states that workers must consent to having their information shared with “local, state, and/or federal government authorities or a third party for the purpose of conducting a security background check.”
The complaint, according to The Athletic, calls on FIFA to publicly guarantee that the ICE will not be present at World Cup venues throughout the tournament. The FBI said the Department of Homeland Security would be a “key partner” in the accreditation process.
Protesters hold “Kick ICE Out” signs on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during an anti-ICE protest at the Los Angeles office of the FIFA 26 World Cup, May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frédéric J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS ISSUE TRAVEL ADVISORY TO FLORIDA FOR FIFA WORLD CUP REGARDING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT TACTICS
The process “placed stadium workers in an impossible situation: having to choose between their livelihood and their right to privacy under California law.”
“FIFA is now endangering the American workers who make the World Cup possible,” the complaint states.
“FIFA’s accreditation process goes against California law and its 2026 slogan that ‘Football Unites the World.’ Stadium workers are the backbone of the World Cup experience for fans: they proudly prepare food, serve drinks and clean the stadium.”
It is still unclear what ICE presence will be at World Cup matches, but interim director Todd Lyons said ICE will play a “key role” in ensuring security during the tournament.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 11 in the United States. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Eight games will be played at SoFi Stadium, including the United States’ opener against Parguay on June 12.
