MEXICO CITY — On Tuesday, a global federation representing labor unions expressed concerns over FIFA’s decision to deny them access to inspect working conditions at the Azteca Stadium, currently undergoing renovations for the 2026 World Cup. The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), headed by General Secretary Ambet Yuson, had sought to evaluate the construction site for worker safety and compliance with international labor standards. However, FIFA declined their request, citing the presence of a local union and the absence of reported incidents as reasons inspections were deemed unnecessary.
Yuson emphasized the importance of adhering to global standards for an event as international as the World Cup. He argued that an organization like BWI plays a crucial role as an independent inspector, ensuring that safety claims by local entities are accurate. The renowned Azteca Stadium has been closed since May 2024 to accommodate necessary renovations, with plans to reopen later this year, as stated by stadium owner Emilio Azcarraga Jean. While exact details of the upgrades are not fully disclosed, the venue is set to host five matches during the World Cup, marking its place as the first stadium to usher in three different World Cup tournaments—having previously hosted the opening matches in 1970 and 1986.
Negotiations between FIFA and BWI for joint inspections across Mexico, the United States, and Canada reportedly reached an advanced stage. However, FIFA withdrew before finalizing any agreement, thereby halting independent checks at these critical construction sites, according to a statement from BWI. Felix Aguirre, director of Azteca Stadium, did not respond to interview requests regarding the matter.
In a statement to The Guardian, a FIFA spokesperson clarified that the stadium renovations are managed independently of the organization. However, FIFA maintains a commitment to upholding high international labor standards and protecting workers’ rights in activities related to their events. Additionally, FIFA mentioned ongoing collaboration with Azteca Stadium to ensure satisfactory conditions for workers.
BWI has a history of inspecting work conditions at previous World Cups and Olympic Games. The federation highlighted the vulnerability of Mexican construction workers, noting that only a small percentage, about 7%, are unionized. This lack of union representation can expose them to inadequate working conditions and pay. Yuson posed an important question, stressing the urgency of preventive inspections: “In all World Cups, construction workers have died. Should we wait for a fatality in Mexico, or should we conduct the inspection now to prevent any unnecessary loss of life?”
