Raising Awareness: Human Trafficking During Major Sporting Events

As the FIFA World Cup brings millions of visitors to host countries, organizations, advocates, and law enforcement agencies are reminding the public that large international events can also create opportunities for human traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.

While the excitement of the tournament is celebrated around the world, increased travel, tourism, and demand for hospitality and commercial services can place women, children, youth, migrants, and other vulnerable populations at greater risk of exploitation. Experts emphasize that human trafficking is not caused by sporting events themselves, but that traffickers may seek to take advantage of the increased activity surrounding them.

Mexico, one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host countries alongside Canada and the United States, has seen renewed efforts from community organizations and anti-trafficking advocates to raise awareness, strengthen prevention initiatives, and encourage the public to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

At NICAFV, we believe that awareness is an important step in prevention. Human trafficking can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, youth, and individuals experiencing violence, poverty, housing insecurity, or displacement may face heightened risks.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing exploitation. Learning the warning signs, supporting survivors with compassion, and sharing accurate information can help protect our communities—not only during major events, but every day.

Learn more: We encourage you to read this CNN article exploring how advocates in Mexico are working to raise awareness about human trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and why prevention efforts matter.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/30/americas/human-trafficking-mexico-world-cup-latam-intl