As the 2026 World Cup approaches, public safety officials and advocacy groups are ramping up efforts to address potential human trafficking risks associated with the influx of visitors expected in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and the greater Boston area. The tournament, which begins June 11 across multiple venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will bring more than 2 million visitors to Boston alone, including a significant crowd for matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Authorities have expressed concern that large-scale international events like the World Cup can create conditions favorable to traffickers exploiting vulnerable populations. FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks highlighted this risk during a recent press conference at the Massachusetts State House, noting that traffickers target individuals regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity. While the FBI has reported no credible threats at this time, officials remain vigilant, especially given the event’s multiple locations, fan festivals, and watch parties requiring heightened security.
A central component of the public safety response is a broad awareness campaign urging the public, local businesses, and hospitality workers to be alert and report suspicious activity. Billboards with messages such as “If you see something, say something” have been placed near Gillette Stadium and other locations by organizations including the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and the Norfolk Advocates for Children. These efforts are supported by a $390,000 grant announced by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll to fund anti-trafficking programs and public education.
Law enforcement agencies in Norfolk County, which covers Foxborough, have been conducting specialized trainings for police and hospitality industry workers to recognize signs of trafficking, such as individuals displaying expensive belongings without obvious means or frequenting hotels and transit hubs under suspicious circumstances. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office, responsible for Boston, has maintained ongoing proactive initiatives targeting traffickers and those soliciting sex work, with officials emphasizing that violators will face severe penalties.
Advocates stress the critical role of the community in combating trafficking. Audrey Morrissey, executive director of My Life My Choice, a nonprofit assisting survivors of the sex trade, urged vigilance and public engagement. She described common indicators, including young people with expensive items or marked with dollar signs, and the importance of asking questions and reporting concerns.
Experts also note that trafficking exploitation extends beyond in-person transactions to online platforms. Phillipa King, CEO of the international group It’s A Penalty, referenced significant increases in online advertisements for trafficking during prior major sporting events, such as the Olympics in France, describing human trafficking as one of the fastest-growing criminal industries worldwide.
Learning from other host cities, New Jersey and the Seattle area have launched similar outreach and training programs to prepare for the World Cup. As the event draws nearer, officials continue to coordinate with hotels, restaurants, transit services, and the broader community to enhance detection and response capabilities, underscoring the message that safeguarding the event from exploitation is a collective responsibility. The public is encouraged to report suspected trafficking promptly via 911 or the national human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888.