Organizations prepare for potential sex trafficking increase during World Cup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Come June, hundreds of thousands of soccer fans will pack into Arrowhead stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026. While the beauty of the sport is celebrated, there is a much darker reality below.

Missouri ranks fourth in the nation for human trafficking cases, according to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking. Last year, authorities identified 272 cases, involving 539 victims in the state.

“It’s going to be a target,” said a trafficking survivor, KCTV5 has identified as Hope, for her protection. “Trafficking is happening right here.”

Hope said traffickers used her addiction against her during her time in the trade. She described the experience as “the breaking down of an individual to where they are completely dehumanized.”

Nonprofit coalition forms ahead of World Cup

Not on their watch.

Nearly a dozen nonprofits are gearing up to fight and protect the most vulnerable during the global competition. They’re teaming up to form the WARS Council - World Cup Aftercare Resources and Services. The goal is to address anticipated increases in trafficking during the tournament.

“Anytime there’s a big event, especially a big sporting event, it typically brings in more men, and sex buyers are predominantly men,” said Stephanie Evans with Exodus Cry, an organization that fights sex trafficking.

Jason Alvis, CEO of ReHope, said the coalition is not sponsored or funded by the city or KC2026 organizers.

“We really saw this as a need,” Alvis told KCTV5. “The increase in population is going to exacerbate vulnerabilities that already exist with people.”

Alvis pointed to previous large events in Kansas City, including the NFL Draft in 2023 and NCAA Championship tournaments at the T-Mobile Center, as examples of when trafficking concerns increase.

Crisis center planned for survivors

The WARS Council plans to provide an alternative to law enforcement when addressing sex trafficking cases. ReHope is set to build a 20-room urban crisis center to give survivors their own room, a safe place to gather and staff ready to respond.

“That honestly is the goal, that we can provide a more correct and direct route to healing and recovery to survivors instead of being in the system,” Alvis noted.

The coalition aims to have the center operational by June 16 and plans to ramp up outreach starting in March.

“Knowing that there is a place for them to take survivors instead of incarcerating them,” Alvis continued.

Hope said safe places like ReHope are crucial for survivors.

“When we come into a safe place, we are broken,” she indicated. “So having a safe place like ReHope gives us our life back. You are worthy of safety, love and freedom.”

She shares her message now, in hopes that all will hear it before the world arrives at Kansas City’s doorstep.

“Trafficking is happening right here. Please don’t look away,” said Hope. “Your awareness could save someone’s life.”

Law enforcement response

Kansas City Police declined to be interviewed for this story but said they will have proactive measures in place and sting operations planned during the World Cup.

Advocates say those who suspect trafficking should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline if they see something suspicious, like someone who appears to be controlled by another person or shows signs of physical abuse.

The community has been advised not to approach suspected victims directly; instead, call 1-888-373-7888.