World Cup Spurs Human Trafficking Awareness Trainings in Missouri, Kansas

Efforts to prepare for potential human trafficking during 2026 FIFA World Cup events are ramping up in both states.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer match or competition, with sharp planes of deep blue, green, and red colors overlapping to create a sense of motion and energy.An abstract illustration captures the complex, multi-faceted efforts to combat human trafficking during major sporting events like the 2026 World Cup.Franklin Today

In both Missouri and Kansas, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and hospitality businesses are increasing human trafficking awareness trainings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While studies show little direct evidence linking major sporting events to increased trafficking, officials are taking proactive steps to educate staff and the public on potential warning signs.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup, with matches planned in Kansas City and Lawrence, is expected to bring an influx of visitors to the region. Authorities and advocacy groups want to ensure hospitality workers, law enforcement, and community members are equipped to identify and respond to any potential human trafficking activity during the high-profile event.

The details

Missouri's Attorney General's Office has sponsored free human trafficking trainings, while the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center in Lawrence, Kansas has provided training sessions for local hotels, bars, and other hospitality businesses. A Lawrence city ordinance also requires bar staff to undergo sexual violence prevention training in order to obtain liquor licenses. Hilton hotels also mandate human trafficking training for employees.

  • In May, the Lawrence Police Department will partner with the Justice Project in Kansas City to provide human trafficking-related training for all of its officers.
  • Throughout April, the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center in Lawrence is focused on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, tying teal ribbons around trees in South Park to bring attention to the issue.

The players

Catherine Hanaway

Missouri Attorney General who has sponsored free human trafficking trainings ahead of the World Cup.

Christina Gentry

Director of community engagement at the Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center in Lawrence, Kansas.

Heather Shull

General manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Lawrence, Kansas, who attended human trafficking training provided by the CARE Center.

Lawrence Police Department

The police department in Lawrence, Kansas is partnering with the Justice Project in Kansas City to provide human trafficking-related training for all of its officers in May.

The Justice Project

A Kansas City-based organization that is partnering with the Lawrence Police Department to provide human trafficking training.

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What they’re saying

“Human and sex trafficking can only be addressed through strong partnerships and collaborative actions. Our Office is proud to have sponsored a free training ahead of the World Cup to equip and learn from those who are the tip of the spear in the fight against modern-day slavery.”

— Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Attorney General

“Hotels and the local bars have always been a part of our outreach, but this particular time of year, we'll be hosting our World Cup, so we wanted to make sure there will be some trafficking training.”

— Christina Gentry, Director of community engagement, Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center

“Our business is hospitality; we're supposed to take care of people.”

— Heather Shull, General manager, DoubleTree by Hilton

What’s next

The Lawrence Police Department will partner with the Justice Project in Kansas City to provide human trafficking-related training for all of its officers in May.

The takeaway

While major sporting events like the World Cup do not necessarily lead to increased human trafficking, officials and advocacy groups in Missouri and Kansas are taking proactive steps to educate hospitality workers, law enforcement, and the public on potential warning signs. These efforts aim to ensure the region is prepared to identify and respond to any trafficking activity during the influx of visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup.