SoFi Stadium Prepared for FIFA World Cup
We go to SoFi to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the stadium is being prepared for the World Cup, its configuration and scale, plus we talk to a SoFi chef about menu additions for the games.
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A union that includes nearly 2,000 SoFi stadium workers issued a complaint to California’s attorney general, claiming 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 union UNITE HERE Local 11 fear FIFA’s process violates their rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act.
According to the complaint, via The Athletic, the workers had to share their Social Security number, nationality, address and country of birth. They were also asked to consent to the “collection, use and disclosure” of their “personal data, including sensitive personal data, as described in the (FIFA) Privacy Notice.”
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SOFI Stadium workers protest outside the 26th FIFA World Cup office in Los Angeles calling for ICE to be banned from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are planned at SOFI Stadium during the summer tournament. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
The complaint also reportedly says that workers were required to consent to their information being shared with “local, regional and/or federal government authorities or a third party for the purpose of conducting a security background check.”
The complaint, according to The Athletic, has asked FIFA to publicly ensure that ICE will not be present at the World Cup venues throughout the tournament. The FBI has said the Department of Homeland Security would be a “key partner” in the accreditation process.
Protesters hold signs reading “Kick ICE Out” on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during an anti-ICE demonstration at the Los Angeles office of the 26th FIFA World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
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The process “has put stadium workers in the impossible position of having to choose between their livelihood and their right to privacy under California law.”
“FIFA is now endangering the very workers within the United States who make the World Cup possible,” the complaint says.
“FIFA’s accreditation process flies in the face of California law and its 2026 motto: ‘Soccer 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 unknown what ICE’s presence will be at World Cup matches, but interim director Todd Lyons said it would 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 US. (Getty Images)
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Eight games will be played at SoFi Stadium, including the United States’ first game against Paraguay on June 12.
