With just three weeks to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the Catholic Church in Mexico is raising alarm over the potential surge in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence tied to the massive influx of tourists. The tournament, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is expected to draw over 5.5 million international visitors to Mexico alone, with matches in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
On May 19, the Commission for the Protection of Minors of the Primatial Archdiocese of Mexico issued a statement warning that while the World Cup fosters fraternity and cultural exchange, it also presents a dangerous opportunity for criminal networks. These groups, the church noted, operate through deception, coercion, and abuse, targeting both locals and visitors.
International bodies like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, UNICEF, and Amnesty International have flagged the risk, linking mass tourism to increased sexual exploitation. The Archdiocese is calling on authorities to ramp up prevention, early detection, and victim protection efforts.
The church highlighted key risk factors: social media recruitment of minors, and false promises of legal status used to lure individuals from Colombia, Venezuela, and Honduras. A lack of public awareness about these crimes was also noted, with calls for targeted campaigns in high-exposure sectors.
Church members are urged to take concrete action. Priests, deacons, and pastoral workers should openly discuss the issue in church settings, display informational materials in parishes, and guide parents on digital risks. The church also advises against confronting potential traffickers directly, instead recommending prudence, personal safety, and reporting to authorities.
The initiative ‘Mundialsintrata’ (World Cup Without Trafficking) provides resources for identifying and safely reporting trafficking cases. The Archdiocese also suggests moments of prayer for victims, emphasizing a culture of care and protection.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
