Large-scale events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bring together communities, fans, businesses, and visitors from around the world. With matches taking place across 16 host markets, the World Cup requires extensive planning and coordination among public safety agencies, community organizations, and multidisciplinary partners long before the first match begins and beyond.
As communities and law enforcement welcome millions of visitors, Our Rescue is working alongside partners to support efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation through training, technology, strategic partnerships, prevention initiatives, and collaboration with law enforcement and community stakeholders.
Supporting Partners During the World Cup and Beyond
For years, Our Rescue has worked alongside law enforcement agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners to help strengthen their ability to investigate crimes against children and support survivor-centered responses.
That work continued as agencies in FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities assessed their needs and prepared for a potential increase in overall public safety operations surrounding the event.
“We believe meaningful impact comes from strengthening the capabilities of those already doing the work,” said Derek Benner, CEO of Our Rescue. “Whether through training, technology, strategic partnerships, or prevention initiatives, our goal is to support our partners in ways that help them serve their communities more effectively both during the World Cup and long after the tournament concludes.”
Across several host markets, Our Rescue has provided equipment, software, investigative tools, and other resources that agencies can use to support their ongoing operations. In the Bay Area, Houston, New Jersey, Dallas and other regions, these resources are helping local partners to prepare future operational demands while building sustainable investigative capacity.
“The World Cup is bringing a massive influx of visitors to California and dozens of law enforcement agencies are working together at the Bay Area Human Trafficking Tactical Operation Center to assure everyone stays safe and no one is being exploited. Thanks to Our Rescue and many others for their support, every bit helps,” said Bill Massey Chief Inspector at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office working on games hosted at Levi Stadium in San Jose, CA.”
Supporting Law Enforcement Through Training and Resources
Preparation for a major international event requires coordination across agencies, jurisdictions, and disciplines.
According to Bill Walker, SVP of Law Enforcement Enterprise and Operations at Our Rescue, the organization’s focus is on helping partners build their investigative capacity through access to the tools, training, and support they need to carry out their missions effectively.
“Our role is to support existing law enforcement efforts,” Walker said. “We’re working with trusted partners across the country to help ensure they have access to training, technology, equipment, and mentorship that can strengthen their ability to protect society’s most vulnerable and hold predators and traffickers accountable. Our support is designed to be sustainable and enduring long after any single event has ended.”
In addition to providing equipment and investigative technology, Our Rescue continues to support training opportunities that help agencies stay current on emerging threats, investigative techniques, and collaborative approaches to protecting vulnerable populations.
Prevention and Cross-Sector Collaboration
The work to ending Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation extends beyond law enforcement.
Our Rescue’s Training and Prevention team has worked with a wide range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, community organizations, and public safety professionals, to strengthen awareness and prevention efforts.
Additionally, earlier this year Our Rescue hosted an event that brought together financial institutions and law enforcement professionals to discuss identifying and disrupting financial crimes connected to human trafficking and child exploitation.
Communities Prepare for FIFA World Cup: Our Rescue Helps Host Cities Recognize and Respond to Potential Uptick in Human Trafficking
“International, large-scale events like FIFA can shift local dynamics in ways that create temporary blind spots and increase opportunities for exploitation,” said Dr. Adrienne Hillman of Our Rescue’s Training and Prevention team. “Preparation, awareness, and collaboration help communities better recognize risks and strengthen existing prevention efforts.”
Many Our Rescue leaders have also participated in national conversations surrounding World Cup preparedness.
Renata Parras, SVP of Strategic Partnerships, Training and Prevention, and Survivor Care, recently convened conversations focused on cross-sector collaboration and coordinated approaches to child protection and public safety.
Parras also explored the impact of Major Events and Trafficking by co-authoring the article “Allegation to Architecture: FIFA, Mega Events and Antitrafficking Expectations for 2026,” covering FI compliance obligations, HT typologies, and FIFA governance reforms in the context of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Protecting children requires collaboration across many sectors,” Parras said. “Law enforcement, nonprofits, businesses, educators, community leaders, and public agencies all have a role to play. The partnerships being built today are creating stronger networks that will continue serving communities well into the future.”
Working Alongside Local Partners
Many of the most impactful efforts begin at the local level.
In Arlington, Texas, one of the host communities preparing for World Cup activities, partnerships have helped support additional investigative capacity and strengthen ongoing efforts to protect the community.
“As we began planning for major events coming to our region, we identified a need for additional personnel and resources to help manage caseloads and support investigations,” said Tarik Muslimovic of the Arlington Police Department. “Support from partners like Our Rescue helps agencies better distribute workload and strengthen our ability to serve the community.”
These partnerships reflect a broader philosophy: supporting those closest to the work while helping build sustainable capacity that benefits communities over time.
Looking Beyond the Tournament
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup serves as an important milestone for planning and coordination, the ultimate goal is much larger than a single major event.
The training delivered, equipment deployed, partnerships established, and relationships strengthened today will continue supporting communities, law enforcement agencies, and child protection efforts long after the final match is played.
Through collaboration, preparedness, and a commitment to long-term capacity building, Our Rescue remains dedicated to supporting those working every day to protect children and strengthen communities across North America and around the world.
The work highlighted here is possible because of supporters who believe in equipping those on the front lines with the training, technology, and resources they need to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
You can play a role in protecting children and helping build a world free from Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation.
Learn how you can Join the Fight and support Our Rescue today.
FAQS:
- Q: Which host cities are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
- A: (US) Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, (Canada) Toronto, Vancouver, (Mexico) Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
- Q: How can fans report suspected trafficking?
- A: Our Rescue is not a law enforcement body and cannot investigate trafficking leads. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately by calling 911. Alternatively, you can report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or www.humantraffickinghotline.org. How to Report Human Trafficking
- Q: What are the warning signs of human trafficking?
- A: https://ourrescue.org/resources/sex-trafficking/human-trafficking/how-to-stop-human-trafficking/how-can-i-identify-human-trafficking
- Q: What are the warning signs of human trafficking in children?
- A: https://ourrescue.org/resources/sex-trafficking/prevention-st/11-sex-trafficking-red-flags-in-youth
- Q: How can I get involved in this work?
- A: Our Rescue has many ways for individuals and organizations to get involved. We invite you to learn more here: https://ourrescue.org/jointhefight
