The United States Ambassador to Ghana has called for increased safeguards for athletes preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that young talent seeking international opportunities are frequently targeted by human traffickers.
During the National Forum on Trafficking Through Sports at the ISSER Conference Hall in Legon on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Ambassador Rolf Olson emphasized that major global sporting events should not serve as avenues for exploitation. Representing the U.S. Department of State, Olson advocated for stricter oversight of sports recruitment and academies to shield young players from criminal activity.
“Programs like this reflect our shared commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring that the legitimate aspirations of young athletes are not exploited by criminal networks,” Olson stated.
As the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host the upcoming tournament, the Ambassador stressed the need for cooperation between governments and sports bodies to mitigate abuse. He also warned the public against scammers claiming to guarantee visas or tournament access.
“No individual or agent can guarantee a visa outcome. Applicants must provide truthful information and comply fully with the application process,” Olson said, adding that holding a match ticket does not ensure visa approval.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador praised Ghana’s ongoing initiatives against human trafficking and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to partnering with local authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to secure the sports industry.