San Diego Prepares for Potential Human Trafficking Surge During 2026 World Cup

District Attorney Summer Stephan warns of increased risks and calls for stronger global coordination to protect vulnerable groups

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:39pm

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan is raising concerns about the persistent risk of human trafficking during large-scale events. Stephan outlines local prevention strategies while questioning the absence of a clear global plan, and underscores the urgency of strong binational coordination to protect victims in border regions like San Diego–Tijuana.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with the San Diego-Tijuana border region becoming a strategic hub for lodging, transit, and entertainment. This dynamic heightens the risk of human trafficking, which often increases during major events due to the sudden demand for labor and the presence of large gatherings, especially of men, who are the primary buyers in sex trafficking.

The details

Although no official World Cup matches will be held in San Diego, the city is preparing for increased activity linked to the tournament, such as pre-game celebrations, public watch events, cultural festivals, and gatherings organized by local clubs and stakeholders. Stephan's office is working closely with law enforcement agencies, federal authorities, and event organizers to ensure safety and respect for human rights. However, Stephan remains disappointed by the lack of a clear and prioritized global plan to prevent human trafficking, despite evidence from past major sporting events showing an increase in both sex and labor exploitation.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
  • During the World Cup period, crossings between San Diego and Tijuana are expected to rise significantly.

The players

Summer Stephan

The San Diego County District Attorney who is raising concerns about the risk of human trafficking during the 2026 World Cup and outlining local prevention strategies.

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

A well-established task force that includes multiple law enforcement agencies and federal, state, and local authorities working to combat human trafficking in the San Diego region.

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What they’re saying

“San Diego has a well-established human trafficking task force. It includes multiple law enforcement agencies and federal, state, and local authorities working 24/7. It is an active task force, and we increase resources whenever there is a major event like FIFA.”

— Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney

“During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, more than half a million migrants were used to build infrastructure. There were documented abuses and labor exploitation. Since then, international organizations have called for a clear plan to prevent trafficking. We have not seen it yet.”

— Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney

What’s next

Stephan's office is working to strengthen binational coordination with Mexican authorities and renew agreements to protect victims who cross the border. They are also actively training hotel and motel staff to identify signs of trafficking and report suspicious activity.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Cup presents a significant challenge in preventing human trafficking, as large-scale events can create conditions that enable exploitation. While San Diego is taking proactive measures, the lack of a clear and coordinated global plan to address this issue remains a major concern, highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation and a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations.