The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is projected to draw approximately 6.5 million visitors. This event will feature 104 matches over a duration exceeding five weeks, presenting unique logistical and security challenges not typically seen in other large sporting events like the Super Bowl. Experts caution that the length and scale of the World Cup significantly elevate the risk of human trafficking.

Assessing the Scale of Human Trafficking Risk

When evaluating the potential for human trafficking during major events, a framework focusing on three factors is essential: the likelihood of trafficking incidents, the potential damage magnitude, and the duration of exposure. In the case of the 2026 World Cup, all three factors suggest that the risk is considerable. The event’s extended duration sets it apart from single-day competitions and even the two-week Olympics.

Comparative events, including past World Cups in Brazil, Russia, and Qatar, present challenges due to differing legal systems and cultural contexts. As such, the Super Bowl emerges as the most relevant domestic model for assessing risks, although it remains considerably shorter in duration.

Evidence from the recent Super Bowl in February 2026, held in the San Francisco Bay Area, underscores the human trafficking challenges associated with large events. A coordinated campaign across 11 counties led to the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including minors, from a single-day event. The volume of sex advertisements around this period exhibited a clear spike, further corroborating concerns regarding trafficking.

Additionally, analysis of the advertisement data showed nearly 500 distinct phone numbers associated with sex ads migrating to San Francisco from other states during the event. Patterns of advertisements referencing the Super Bowl surged in cities far beyond the host location, indicating that the geographic spread of trafficking risks could be even more pronounced during the World Cup.

What Anti-Trafficking Partners Should Do Now

In anticipation of the World Cup, proactive measures are necessary for organizations aiming to combat human trafficking. Key recommendations include:

• Establishing financial institution task forces: Local financial institutions should convene to assess existing practices and identify potential gaps in reporting and detection.
• Training branch-level employees: Local bank employees need training on recognizing suspicious behaviors, as they often have the best understanding of local patterns.
• Dismantling institutional silos: Collaborative efforts among law enforcement, financial bodies, and NGOs are crucial for an effective response.
• Public awareness campaigns: Sustained awareness efforts, combined with a visible law enforcement presence, can reduce demand for trafficking.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a significant event in terms of both sports and the associated challenges, particularly concerning human trafficking. Responsibly addressing these issues well in advance will be critical for ensuring the well-being of vulnerable individuals and safeguarding the integrity of this international gathering.

Why It Matters

The upcoming World Cup presents unprecedented risks for human trafficking across North America. By taking informed steps to prepare, organizations can better mitigate these risks and protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.