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FIFA World Cup 2026: Labor & Human Rights Update

Overview

After more than two years of sustained pressure, organizing, and coalition-building, the South Florida AFL-CIO and our allies have secured a meaningful seat at the table with FIFA and the Miami-Dade World Cup Host Committee. This update provides a comprehensive overview of where things stand, what we’ve achieved so far, the major concerns we continue to raise, and how unions and community allies can get involved as planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup accelerates.

The December 18, 2025 in-person meeting marked a breakthrough moment in our efforts to influence Miami-Dade’s Human Rights Action Plan (HRAP) and ensure that workers, immigrants, and local communities are protected before, during, and after the World Cup.

How We Got Here

For two years, the South Florida AFL-CIO, together with Central Florida Jobs with Justice and a broad coalition of unions and community organizations, pushed to be recognized as legitimate stakeholders in the World Cup planning process. Early meetings with the Miami Host Committee were largely dismissive of labor and community concerns.

That changed on December 18.

Since that meeting, we have now held five in-person working sessions with FIFA and the Miami Host Committee, with a commitment to continue meeting weekly going forward.

The Working Group

At the December 18 meeting, a formal working group was established to develop and revise Miami-Dade’s Human Rights Action Plan.

Core Participants

  • Matt Mullen, Director of Human Rights, FIFA
  • Ray Martinez, Chief Financial Officer, Miami World Cup Host Committee
  • Jason Smith, Director, Office of Equity (Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Office)

Labor & Community Anchors

  • South Florida AFL-CIO
  • Central Florida Jobs with Justice

Union Participants

  • SEIU Florida
  • South Florida Building & Construction Trades Council
  • UNITE HERE Local 355
  • IBEW Local 349
  • IUPAT Local 1175
  • IATSE Local 500
  • AFSCME Florida

Community Partners

  • Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
  • Family Action Movement Network (FAMN)
  • Beyond the Bars

A smaller, focused group was intentionally selected to allow for deeper, more productive working sessions. We will be reporting back to all unions and community partners via Zoom, likely in mid-February, once several more meetings are completed.

World Cup Events in Miami-Dade

  • 7 World Cup matches will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens
  • World Cup-related activities run from May 16 through July 25, 2026
  • The final Miami-area match will take place on July 18, 2026

In addition to the matches, Miami-Dade will host a large FIFA Fan Fest at Bayfront Park, along with other pop-up events across the county featuring live broadcasts, music, vendors, and cultural programming.

The Human Rights Action Plan (HRAP)

Under FIFA’s human rights framework, each host city is required to develop a Human Rights Action Plan addressing discrimination, labor standards, public safety, child protection, housing impacts, and community engagement.

Timeline & Status

  • Miami submitted its initial HRAP in late September 2025, as required by FIFA
  • FIFA later required all 11 U.S. host cities to revise and resubmit their plans by February 15, 2026 to allow for stakeholder input
  • We recently learned that this deadline may be extended, as host cities are hesitant to submit revised plans amid national upheaval around immigration enforcement and ICE activity

Labor Priorities in the HRAP

For our unions, the HRAP must include:

  • Use of responsible union contractors
  • Living wages and benefits for all workers
  • Strong health and safety standards and training
  • Clear enforcement and accountability mechanisms

We have already submitted a list of responsible union contractors from: IBT Local 769, UNITE HERE Local 355, IBEW Local 349, UA Local 725, IUPAT Local 1175, IATSE Local 500, and SEIU 32BJ.

Immigration, ICE, and Public Safety

Immigration enforcement remains the most urgent and serious concern raised by our coalition.

At the December 18 meeting, FIFA stated that ICE would not be present inside stadiums. Since then, that position has changed. While FIFA has said they are engaging with a White House Task Force, we cannot rule out widespread ICE presence throughout Miami-Dade County during the World Cup.

Our concerns include:

  • Racial profiling and arbitrary detention
  • Family separation
  • Chilling effects on attendance by immigrant communities and international visitors
  • Risks to tourists, fans, workers, and journalists

We are demanding clear, binding commitments that protect immigrants and ensure the World Cup is safe and accessible for everyone.

Hard Rock Stadium & Labor Peace

One of the biggest unresolved issues is labor peace at Hard Rock Stadium.

  • There is currently no labor neutrality or labor peace agreement in place
  • UNITE HERE and SEIU 32BJ have attempted to organize at the stadium for years
  • FIFA has stated there will be “no union busting,” but cannot guarantee enforcement of labor peace by stadium management

We are also working with FIFA to get better clarity on workers at the stadium where we will be advocating for health and safety tranings and labor peace agreements

Broader Coalition & Political Strategy

At a recent Miami leaders meeting, coalition partners agreed to:

  • Increase meetings to twice per month in response to the Trump administration
  • Focus collective efforts on immigration, FIFA, and TPS protections

Participating organizations include FLIC, South Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, Faith in Florida, Power U, Catalyst Miami, SEIU 1199, Beyond the Bars, WeCount, Miami Workers Center, Student Action Network, Florida Rising, and Miami Homes For All.

National AFL-CIO & Resolutions Strategy

Working with the national AFL-CIO, we are developing an Immigration Resolution tied to the World Cup.

The goals are to:

  • Educate unions, communities, and the general public about FIFA-related risks
  • Urge municipalities to pass resolutions opposing ICE presence at World Cup events
  • Provide FIFA with political cover to resist federal pressure
  • Hold local elected officials accountable—especially heading into the midterm elections

International & Consular Engagement

At our most recent meeting, Oliver Mair, General Counsel for the consulates representing 75 countries in Miami-Dade, joined the discussion.

We are working with the Mayor’s Office and Miami-Dade’s Intergovernmental Affairs team will be convening a meeting between:

  • Consular representatives
  • FIFA
  • The Miami Host Committee
  • Labor and community stakeholders

This meeting will focus on immigration enforcement, visas, public safety, TPS, and protections for international visitors.

Why This Matters

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world. It brings massive public investment, global attention, and real risks of exploitation and abuse.

  • We are fighting to ensure that: Workers are paid fairly and treated with dignity
  • Immigrant communities are not targeted or terrorized
  • Housing insecurity is not worsened
  • Children are protected
  • Local communities benefit—not suffer—from hosting this event

Get Involved

This work is ongoing and will intensify over the coming months.

If your union or organization wants to: Participate in briefings

  • Engage in advocacy
  • Support resolutions and public pressure campaigns
  • Help shape the Human Rights Action Plan

Please contact Deborah Dion to learn how to get involved. info@sofloaflcio.org

Together, we can ensure the World Cup in Miami-Dade respects labor standards, human rights, and our communities.

In Solidarity,
South Florida AFL-CIO