The shadow of the World Cup: the Senate prepares for the battle that no one wants to see
The Senate Governor’s Committee has just taken a crucial step. Approved an opinion to require the authorities to strengthen as much as possible campaigns against trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. The reason? The 2026 Soccer World Cup that will be played in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
It is not an abstract concern. It is a warning based on past tragedies. Senator Laura Esquivel Torres (PAN) made it clear with shocking data:
“In South Africa 2010, cases increased by 30%. In Brazil 2014, complaints increased by 40%. In Russia 2018, minor victims of trafficking were rescued during the event.”
The scenario is perfect for predators: massive influx of tourists, demand for sexual services and spaces full of young people. The ruling calls for coordination with Jalisco, Nuevo León and CDMX, focusing on areas with a higher concentration of minors.
An action plan beyond speech
The proposal does not remain in good wishes. Propose concrete and urgent actions:
- Detection at airports of people with a history of sexual crimes against minors.
- All hotels require identification to verify the relationship between adults and children.
- Strengthen national prevention and reporting campaigns.
They refer to an international campaign that already worked in Italy, Brazil, Botswana and South Africa during the 2010 World Cup. There is a manual, the only thing missing is the political will to apply it here.
The president of the commission, Lilia Margarita Valdéz Martínez, expressed her concern about this situation that puts what is most valuable at risk: our childhood. The clock is already ticking. There are two years left until the biggest sporting spectacle in the world arrives, and with it, its darkest shadow.
The question now is whether authorities will heed this call or let tragic history repeat itself.




