FIFA is facing serious accusations of allegedly blocking a labor inspection at Estadio Azteca, which is being prepared to host matches during the 2026 World Cup. The complaint comes from the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (BWI), which reported that it was denied access to the venue before a scheduled visit to assess the working conditions of the laborers involved in its renovation. This 80,000-capacity stadium has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding labor conditions in World Cup-related projects in Mexico.

The BWI claims that there has been insufficient scrutiny of labor conditions in World Cup projects and denounces a “systemic opacity” in the available information. Although an agreement had been negotiated to conduct “joint inspections” in the three host countries (Mexico, the United States, and Canada), FIFA withdrew before signing it. Ambet Yuson, BWI’s general secretary, criticized FIFA for evading its responsibility toward workers, stating that the organization has not learned from past concerns about human rights in previous tournaments.

FIFA´S RESPONSIBILITY

FIFA has stated that Estadio Azteca and its construction process are not under its direct management, though it claims to be committed to promoting high international labor standards. A spokesperson indicated that FIFA is working in collaboration with local unions and other stakeholders to oversee labor conditions. However, these accusations have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these measures and the real protection of workers’ rights.

Estadio Azteca, known for hosting World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, is one of the key venues for the 2026 tournament, where five matches will be played. The stadium’s renovation has a committed budget of $1 billion and has created approximately 1,000 jobs. As the event approaches, it is crucial to address these labor rights concerns to ensure not only a successful tournament but also a positive legacy for the workers involved in its execution.