The World Cup and human trafficking: What the research reveals about the real risks at major sporting events

Public awareness campaigns around the World Cup and other sporting events are well intentioned – but not backed by research.

By: Kathleen Murray Preble, University of Texas at Arlington and Jennifer E. O'Brien, University of Texas at Arlington, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 1, 2026

Words: 1,154

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Kathleen Murray Preble, University of Texas at Arlington and Jennifer E. O'Brien, University of Texas at Arlington

As 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 intentioned. But as experts in …

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