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The World Cup and human trafficking: What the research reveals about the real risks at major sporting events
Two decades of research found no consistent evidence that Super Bowl, Olympic Games or World Cup events increase human trafficking, scholars said.
- As United States cities prepare to host the FIFA World Cup, familiar warnings about human trafficking "spikes" have reemerged. Two decades of empirical research across major sporting events show no consistent evidence that trafficking increases due to large tournaments.
- Scholars describe this phenomenon as a "flashlight effect," where increased media attention and law enforcement operations generate more reports and arrests. Heightened awareness campaigns may produce detection effects rather than there actually being more incidents.
- Research shows that while online commercial sex advertisements may increase, those fluctuations are comparable to other large conventions or holiday weekends. Trafficking relies on pre-existing relationships rather than strangers abducting victims at events, experts Kathleen Murray Preble and Jennifer O'Brien note.
- Focusing on high-profile events shifts resources toward short-term enforcement at the expense of sustained investment in trauma-informed care. Myth-driven campaigns can lead to victim misidentification, as individuals not resembling the "typical victim" may be overlooked or criminalized.
- Public attention must move from panic to precision, aligning interventions with evidence rather than event-based cycles. Addressing structural conditions that create vulnerability at all times, not just every four years, requires supporting survivor-led services and building longitudinal prevention strategies.
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The World Cup and human trafficking: What the research reveals about the real risks at major sporting events
Houston rolls out a human trafficking awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ropnaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty ImagesAs U.S. cities prepare to host the FIFA World Cup, familiar warnings about human trafficking “spikes” at major sporting events have reemerged. Media outlets point to elevated risks, advocacy groups roll out awareness campaigns, and city authorities and law enforcement ramp up anti-trafficking efforts. This is all well …
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
C 53%
R 40%
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