World Cup 2026 live updates: US eliminated from World Cup after losing to Belgium, 4-1, in Round 16

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

As the Bay Area hosts FIFA World Cup matches, law enforcement agencies say they are increasing vigilance for potential human trafficking.

For years, major sporting events have been linked to concerns about increased sex trafficking. However, some experts say there is limited evidence supporting a direct connection and that it's important to always be on the lookout for this activity.

With matches scheduled in nearby Santa Clara, the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit is coordinating closely with regional partners. Acting Lt. Tony Flores said the city already experiences steady activity due to frequent events and tourism.

"In San Francisco, we have the World Cup every weekend. We have so many big events. So we pretty much see a steady line of things that are going on, of people coming in. We have a lot of tourists now," Flores said.

Flores said SFPD is working with agencies in Santa Clara and sharing information daily as preparations continue.

"We work with our partners in Santa Clara. We have daily briefings that we talk about the things that we did and things that are coming up and things that maybe we learn from each of those operations that we do together," he said.

The Santa Clara Police Department has formed an anti-trafficking subcommittee and is applying strategies developed during February's Super Bowl. SFPD is doing the same, with an expectation of increased police presence, especially as Team USA plays in Santa Clara this upcoming Wednesday.

Full stoy here.

From Santa Clara to San Jose, World Cup fever swept through the South Bay again on Thursday. At San Pedro Square in San Jose, thousands came out to cheer on the U.S. as they took on Turkey.

From Santa Clara to San Jose, World Cup fever swept through the South Bay again on Thursday.

At San Pedro Square in San Jose, thousands came out to cheer on the U.S. as they took on Turkey.

"I'd say at least quarter finals. That's my prediction. But, obviously, I've got faith in this team. This is arguably the best team we've seen in a minute," said Andres Dewerk.

Fans came from all around the Bay Area and the world.

Many, like Amar Patel and his wife Ella, say they're excited to share the game they love.

"I do it for a living. And we met playing soccer and that's why we have two wonderful kids," said Amar.

And those kids also not missing out on any of the excitement.

"I think that's so cool, especially for him. He knows what's going on and can feel the energy. And he loves it. He's obsessed with it now," said Ella.

Throughout the tournament, San Pedro Square has become the place to be to watch games.

Creating an electric vibe that can be felt around the city.

"We expected over the 35 days of game play that we'd have about 350,000 people come through San Pedro. We're on day 13 and we've just broken 300,000 so it looks like we're going to double or triple what we expected," said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

Those numbers are helping to drive a new generation of fans say people like Daniel Munie.

Munie plays for the San Jose Earthquakes and tells us soccer's popularity is growing more and more each year in the U.S.

"They sell out these games no matter who's playing and it's been awesome to see and it's only going to grow," he said.

Team USA has already qualified for the next round of the tournament beginning next week.

And that game is what many fans here say they're focusing on.

"I feel like there's a lot at stake next week. So just calm down a little bit this week and prepare for the next," said Adam Irwin.

Travelers from around the world are passing through Bay Area airports for FIFA World Cup matches, creating busy days for TSA checkpoints.

Travelers from around the world are passing through Bay Area airports for FIFA World Cup matches, creating busy days for Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and a shared experience for fans of all backgrounds.

People of all ages traveling to and from matches say going through TSA has become a key part of the journey.

"I like to go to the World Cup matches. I had never been to one before," said Lucia Piccini, visiting from Mexico City.

"This is my first match in a World Cup in my life. So, it was I wanted to experience that," said Fernando Montalvo, also from Mexico City.

For some, the airport screening process itself brought uncertainty.

"I did not know what to expect because I was a little bit afraid," Montalvo said.

TSA officials say they are prepared for the surge in travel tied to the tournament. Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl said the agency has already experienced multiple days with more than 3 million travelers nationwide and expects similar numbers to continue.

"We have been doing a ton of planning both here within San Francisco and across the United States. Really tremendous job at the federal, state, local level, working to ensure a safe, seamless and enjoyable World Cup," Stahl said.

Travelers reported mixed experiences at security checkpoints.

"Very easy, very easy. It is really fast and no problems," said Paolla Piccini, also visiting from Mexico City.

Others disagreed.

"The lines are pretty long. I am not going to lie," said Carlos Meza of Monterey.

Many fans are traveling with souvenirs purchased during their trips, including stickers, bottle openers, backpacks, T-shirts and hats, which officials say are generally allowed through security.

"Folks coming from abroad heeded the advice to really, again, come prepared. And they know what to pack, when not to pack. So, so far, so good," Stahl said.

However, TSA officials note one item has caused confusion.

"The international folks love Ranch, so I am sure you see it on our socials and a lot of guidance about what to pack. It is clearly a liquid," Stahl said.

For others, the most meaningful takeaways cannot be screened.

"Just memories. A lot of memories," Meza said.

TSA officials say they expect especially heavy travel days to continue during the tournament and are encouraging passengers to arrive two to three hours early for their flights.

Thousands of fans packed San Pedro Square on Wednesday night as Mexico made history in the World Cup, defeating Czechia and winning all three of its group-stage matches for the first time.

Thousands of fans packed San Pedro Square on Wednesday night as Mexico made history in the World Cup, defeating Czechia and winning all three of its group-stage matches for the first time.

The watch party in downtown San Jose drew one of the largest crowds of the tournament so far, filling the square to capacity and prompting police to shut down surrounding roads and turn people away.

ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Tim Johns said the scene was unlike anything he had seen in the area.

Fans began arriving hours before kickoff, eager to secure a spot for the match. Fatima Hernandez of Hayward said she showed up four hours early for the 6 p.m. game.

"It started getting crowded during the second half of the Brazil game. That's when they all started piling up," Hernandez said.

By the time the game began, the square was filled with cheering supporters waving flags, chanting and celebrating Mexico's performance.

"You can feel the excitement. And we're just really excited! We're right here with everybody," said San Jose resident Stacy Sandoval.

The crowds extended beyond the main viewing area, with some fans climbing into nearby parking structures to get a better view.

City officials added more viewing screens and increased security for the event. Despite the large turnout, some attendees said the environment felt orderly.

"I feel like everything's controlled. There's a lot of people but everything's good," one fan said.

Officials had prepared for large crowds after previous matches drew tens of thousands of spectators to the square. An hour before Wednesday's game, barricades were already in place as the area filled quickly.

The turnout reflects growing enthusiasm across the Bay Area as the World Cup continues, with San Pedro Square serving as a central hub for fans.

"It really brought a lot of people from different cultures, different ethnicities together. It's just really nice to see the energy, just everybody getting along," Hernandez said.

More matches are scheduled for Thursday, including a game in Santa Clara and a U.S. national team match in Los Angeles. Another watch party is planned at San Pedro Square, with both games set for 7 p.m.