With about 10 million visitors expected in Mexico for the World Cup, strengthening the capacity of frontline personnel to help prevent human trafficking is critical to helping ensure safer environments for children.
MEXICO CITY, 23 June 2026 — About 2,400 public servants in Mexico have received training from Save the Children to help prevent human trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when high mobility and tourism can put children at greater risk.
The initiative has brought together frontline personnel from key institutions including the National Migration Institute (INM), the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Citizen Security of Mexico City, child protection agencies, and borough-level authorities, ensuring those most likely to encounter vulnerable children are equipped to respond effectively.
The training equipped participants with tools to identify warning signs, prevent potential trafficking situations, and promptly activate protection mechanisms during the World Cup, which is the largest sporting event ever hosted in North America and runs over five weeks.
With about 10 million visitors expected in Mexico in June and July for the tournament, strengthening the capacity of frontline personnel was considered critical to helping ensure safer environments for children and adolescents.
Authorities in Canada, the United States and Mexico have warned of the risk of trafficking during the tournament.
Dirk Glas, CEO of Save the Children Mexico, said:
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup should be a space for people to come together, celebrate, and enjoy themselves. However, as millions gather for this event, it is also crucial to reinforce the protection of children and adolescents against risks that can increase in contexts of high mobility and tourism. Strengthening institutional capacities and fostering coordination among authorities can make the difference in ensuring safe and protective environments for children.”
As part of the training, Save the Children developed a Spanish-language guide, Tools for the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the Context of the 2026 World Cup, offering practical guidelines to help public servants and frontline workers who have direct contact with children identify risks and respond appropriately to potential child trafficking cases.
In addition, Save the Children has launched awareness campaigns across its digital platforms in Mexico to raise awareness about trafficking risks during events with large international attendance and provide guidance on how to respond to potential situations that could compromise the safety and well-being of children and adolescents during the World Cup.
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