Millions of fans are descending on North American cities this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will have a massive financial impact through tourism-related spending; by some estimates, the economic impact could be as high as $40 billion. The games are celebrated by fans in the stands and at home, but there’s a dark side to the World Cup that isn’t widely discussed. Large international events can increase the risk for sex trafficking, putting vulnerable individuals in even more danger. The U.S. Department of the Treasury is asking financial institutions to remain vigilant about trafficking warning signs during the World Cup.
According to a CBS News interview with a survivor who now trains law enforcement officials, trafficking can happen anywhere, but it’s increasingly likely to occur in a setting with a large number of men who have extra money to spend. More men than women attend the World Cup. Traffickers embrace crowds because the demand for commercial sex is higher, and the chaos can make it harder for them to get caught. There’s a financial incentive for traffickers to travel to cities hosting events like the World Cup. They know they’ll make more money in an environment where more people are willing to pay for commercial sex. Meanwhile, survivors are the ones who bear the brunt of it.
What Is Sex Trafficking?
In simple terms, sex trafficking is when an individual engages in commercial sex acts because someone has used force, fraud, or coercion to compel them to do so. It’s a worldwide issue that’s often worse in conflict zones and countries rife with corruption or experiencing economic inequality. While people living in developing countries are at high risk, wealthier nations like the U.S. and Italy also have significant problems. By some estimates, hundreds of thousands of women and children are affected annually in the U.S. Calculating an exact number isn’t possible because the crime is so often hidden from public view.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Sex Trafficking?
Trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain population groups face a higher risk. Anyone with an economic or situational disadvantage, like a runaway child or someone homeless, is more likely to be forced into human exploitation. Individuals in the child welfare system, survivors of past abuse, and anyone who’s experiencing poverty or struggling with substance use are at higher risk. Essentially, anyone who’s already at-risk is even more likely to be targeted by traffickers. Often, they are promised a way out of their situation that’ll lead to a more secure future. Instead, they find themselves living and working in appalling conditions.
Walking away from sex trafficking is extraordinarily difficult. Survivors often lack the resources to leave and may feel afraid that the perpetrator will harm them if they try to escape. They may also be afraid that law enforcement will treat them like they’ve committed a crime. Because of this, it’s often said that trafficking can be hidden in plain sight. Not all trafficking survivors are locked away — contrary to this common stereotype, they might seem to move freely and act normally. It isn’t always immediately apparent that something is terribly wrong. Even without physical shackles, someone can feel trapped in a bad situation and see no way out.
Why Are Large Sporting Events Linked to Human Trafficking Concerns?
Most human trafficking takes place in everyday life, not at events. But these large gatherings are enticing to perpetrators seeking a quick way to make money. According to the Treasury Department, it’s not uncommon for traffickers to have unusual financial transactions during the World Cup and similar events. Data shows that the majority of people trafficked during previous World Cups were living within the country and didn’t cross borders. According to the United Nations, up to 72% of survivors are trafficked domestically, making it far more likely that sex trafficking will be domestic rather than international.
There’s no consensus on the prevalence of event-based sex trafficking; some sources suggest that there’s a surge in trafficking-related arrests not due to demand but because police are paying closer attention to the issue than they usually do. The statistics are murky because much of trafficking happens behind closed doors, but there is reason to believe that the World Cup could lead to an increase in both labor and sex trafficking. Some groups are already bracing for the potential effects this summer, with advocates launching a public awareness campaign against human trafficking in Dallas. The city is hosting nine World Cup soccer matches.
Recognizing the Signs of Sex Trafficking and Responding Safely
Whether you’re attending World Cup soccer games or navigating daily life, knowing the warning signs that someone is being trafficked can be life-saving. Here are things to look out for. Be aware if someone:
- lacks access to their passport or other identifying documents
- is accompanied by someone who speaks for them
- is fearful or paranoid, especially when discussing law enforcement
- has unexpected signs of wealth without any explanation
- shows signs of physical abuse or malnutrition
- doesn’t have access to their own money
If you have reason to believe that someone is experiencing sex trafficking, there are steps to take. You shouldn’t make the survivor feel ashamed or guilty for staying; instead, listen to their story and make it clear you’re there for them. If you believe someone is in imminent peril, call law enforcement and alert them to the potential danger. Experts recommend against intervening yourself because it can quickly lead to a situation that’s unsafe for you. You can also dial the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) if you need help deciding which steps to take next. The resource is available 24/7.
Can Survivors of Sex Trafficking File a Civil Lawsuit?
Once a survivor escapes human trafficking, they have the option to seek justice. When a human trafficker is captured, they face hefty criminal charges that can result in life in prison. Regardless of whether a perpetrator is convicted in criminal court, survivors have the option of pursuing civil sex trafficking lawsuits to receive compensation for the things they’ve lost and the pain they’ve suffered.
For many survivors, a civil lawsuit is about more than money. The aftermath of sex trafficking can create enormous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Survivors may need years of therapy, medical treatment, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, educational support, or help rebuilding their lives after escaping exploitation. Compensation obtained through a lawsuit can help cover these costs and provide resources that support long-term healing and recovery.
Civil lawsuits can also serve another important purpose: accountability. By pursuing claims against traffickers and the businesses or organizations that may have enabled the abuse, survivors can help expose trafficking networks and encourage institutions to adopt stronger policies, training, and reporting procedures. In some cases, legal action can help prevent future trafficking by creating consequences for those who ignore warning signs or fail to act.
Claims are often filed under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), a decades-old law that was designed to combat human trafficking. A trafficker isn’t the only party that can be sued. Any institution, organization, or individual that failed to prevent the crime from occurring can be named in a lawsuit. Hotels, massage parlors, and online platforms are all commonly mentioned when assigning liability.
Calling an attorney who specializes in sex trafficking is the first step a survivor should take to determine whether there’s a viable case. Even if there’s no police report, a survivor can still sue. Other forms of evidence can back up a case. A lawyer will look at existing documents and do their own research to gather more proof. When a survivor prevails in a lawsuit, they can be awarded significant damages for their losses. The federal statute of limitations for trafficking cases is 10 years, so it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible and map out a way forward.
