Past World Cup Threats
Terrorism
The World Cup’s high profile and global attention makes it an attractive target for terrorist groups seeking to maximize impact and media coverage. Host cities face the challenge of securing vast, crowded venues, including stadiums, Fan Zones, public transportation hubs, and popular tourist sites. The threat of attacks, ranging from bombings and shootings to cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, requires comprehensive and multilayered security measures. These include enhanced surveillance, rigorous screening procedures, international intelligence cooperation, and robust emergency response plans. The successful prevention of past attacks in previous World Cups underscores the importance of proactive and coordinated security efforts to safeguard both participants and spectators.
Hooliganism
Hooliganism involves violent and disorderly behavior by football fans, leading to clashes between rival supporters, vandalism, and confrontations with law enforcement. Enhanced police presence, CCTV surveillance, stricter stadium entry controls, legal action, and sportsmanship-based fan initiatives can act as deterrents. Despite these efforts, hooliganism remains an issue in some regions, particularly in Russia, Italy, and parts of South America.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a significant concern during World Cup events, particularly involving labor exploitation, sex trafficking, and child trafficking. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar highlighted these issues, with reports of passport confiscation and unsafe working environments. Similarly, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil saw a rise in sex trafficking cases, drawing attention to the exploitation of young women and children.
Protests
Protests around the World Cup and host countries highlight the complex socio-political dynamics that can accompany hosting such a high-profile international event. Protests can attract tens of thousands of people, strain the already limited emergency response resources of host jurisdictions, and have the potential to threaten public safety. Previous protests have centered around topics like:
- Economic Concerns (Brazil 2014, South Africa 2010)
- Labor Rights (South Africa 2010, Qatar 2022)
- Political Repression (Russia 2018, Qatar 2022)
- Social Inequality (Germany 2006, France 1998)