FIFA Accused of Blocking Labor Inspections at Azteca Stadium

FIFA has been accused of obstructing access to the Azteca Stadium for an inspection of construction workers' conditions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) reported that FIFA denied their request, claiming that local union protections were sufficient and that there had been no incidents. BWI's Secretary-General Ambet Yuson emphasized the need for global labor standards and independent oversight, criticizing FIFA for failing to uphold its commitments to worker safety. Despite FIFA's assertion that it is not responsible for managing the renovation, it has faced scrutiny for its lack of transparency regarding labor conditions at World Cup sites. The BWI also noted that an agreement for joint inspections across the tournament's host countries was negotiated but never finalized, raising concerns about labor exploitation. Critics argue that FIFA's actions reflect a pattern of neglect towards workers' rights, echoing issues from previous tournaments in Qatar and Russia.