"THE 2026 WORLD CUP IN MEXICO IS A CATALYST FOR CHILD SEX TOURISM", 06 October 2025

...In September 2025, UNICEF Mexico and the Citizen Council for Security and Justice announced a partnership to protect young people. The partnership aims to raise awareness, share data, and improve monitoring of child sex tourism, which tends to increase during major sporting events. Gabriela González, director of Mexico’s National Program Against Human Trafficking, recently said that the World Cup could significantly increase the risk of sexual exploitation for children.

Amnesty International has pointed out that FIFA's slogan, "Football unites the world," doesn't hold true in places affected by violence. Events like the World Cup can worsen social problems, providing cover for trafficking networks. Mexico, hosting 13 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey (Nuevo León)—with stadiums seating up to 46,300—is particularly at risk. These cities are already known for exploitation, made worse by their location near the border and established trafficking routes...

A 2024 study by SECTUR, involving 115,086 minors across Mexico, found that 40% believe children can be forced into sexual acts by adults—reflecting a disturbing reality. Those living in poverty and labor exploitation are especially vulnerable, often left unsupervised in busy areas. Mexico has some of the highest rates of sexual violence and trafficking in the world, and family members are often involved, making it hard to report incidents due to fear. UNODC defines child sex tourism as travel for sexual contact with minors, causing lasting harm: injuries, STDs like HIV, teen pregnancies, and trauma...

Looking ahead to 2026, UNICEF and its collaborators are emphasizing the importance of young people's opinions and safe sporting environments.

The "Generation 2026" initiative, brought forth by The Centre for Sport and Human Rights, as described in their April 2025 report, recommends proactive prevention aimed at defending children from potential mistreatment during the competition.

The Mexican Football Federation, for example, has made pledges regarding anti-trafficking efforts and gender equality...

The 2026 tournament offers an opportunity to bring the world together; however, it also has the potential to expose existing vulnerabilities...