How Atlanta Is Combating Human Trafficking During the World Cup

When the FIFA World Cup comes to town, it brings a multi-billion-dollar wave of tourism, global prestige and packed stadiums. But beneath the bright stadium lights lies a sinister, historical perception that mega-sporting events are magnets for human trafficking.

From the Olympics to the Super Bowl, the belief that massive sporting crowds trigger an explosion in sex trafficking is more myth than reality, studies show. However, modern-day sex slavery remains a hidden, constant crisis in major hubs—and the massive spotlight of a global tournament offers the perfect opportunity for cities to address the problem head-on.

Occurring only once every four years, the FIFA World Cup is the ultimate sporting spectacle on the planet. During the month-long tournament, set to take place from June 11 through July 19, teams from 48 countries will battle for soccer immortality.

Atlanta will host eight of the tournament matches that are slated to draw billions of viewers, completely eclipsing the Super Bowl in global reach. So, it’s no wonder the city is taking precautions and safety measures against human trafficking so seriously.

The City of Atlanta announced the ATL26 Human Rights Action Plan, “ensuring that the world’s largest sporting event reflects our values in both celebration and practice.” The initiative vows to protect “vulnerable populations, advance child safety, support unsheltered residents,” and prevent human trafficking.

Additionally, the city will launch a new anti-trafficking campaign as a part of the global “It’s a Penalty” initiative, which uses major sporting events to raise awareness about human exploitation, according to 11Alive.

For Sarah D. Carvalho, the founder and CEO of It’s a Penalty, stopping exploitation requires meeting people exactly where they are. Having spent more than a decade executing campaigns across 14 different countries, her team knows that the travel industry is the first line of defense.

This June and July, they are turning up the pressure. Travelers will encounter their critical messaging at every transition point of their trip—from airport terminals and hotel desks to ride-share dashboards and the cabin screens of major airlines, including American Airlines, Emirates and British Airways.

Organizers said the campaign will focus on helping people recognize the indicators, report concerns and connect victims with support services.

Dismantling these hidden networks requires a unified front, which is why the Atlanta Alliance Against Trafficking Task Force is launching a massive, multi-layered defensive strategy before the tournament kicks off.

By bringing law enforcement agencies, local businesses, faith communities, advocacy groups, and survivors to the forefront, the task force is closing the systemic gaps that traffickers typically exploit.

To anchor this defense on the ground, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum has instituted specialized, front-line training for his entire department, ensuring officers are uniquely equipped to spot the subtle warning signs of exploitation amidst the chaotic game-day crowds.

Officials said the message is simple: “If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something.”

“Trafficking is a crime that hides in plain sight,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, according to 11Alive.