Wastewater Surveillance for 2026 World Cup

A Washington, D.C., command center led by Georgetown University’s Center for Global Health Science and Security will monitor sewage, electronic health records and social-media signals during the 39-day, 104-match World Cup. The aim is early detection of measles, Ebola, dengue, chikungunya, norovirus and influenza so hospitals, local health departments and FIFA can intervene before projected 6.5 million fans from over 100 countries spread disease.

US Health Experts to Screen Wastewater for Diseases During 2026 World Cup

The tournament’s scale exceeds the Super Bowl and Olympics, raising transmission risk while U.S. public-health resources face budget cuts, staffing reductions under the Trump administration and a WHO withdrawal. These pressures have left the CDC with a “muted presence,” shifting much of the preparatory burden to state and city agencies.

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The effort combines Georgetown University, MedStar Health (operating one of 13 biocontainment units), and pro-bono data from 30 wastewater firms. Federal partners include the CDC and HHS. Local leads are Dr. Marcus Plescia (Fulton County, GA), Dr. Philip Huang (Dallas County, TX), Dr. Alister Martin (NYC) and Dr. Barbara Ferrer (Los Angeles County).

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DNA/RNA sequencing will detect microbial genetic material in sewage without culture. The center also aggregates anonymized electronic health-record data and conducts “social listening.” Daily reports go to emergency managers, state health agencies and FIFA. The CDC’s dashboard will be staffed by over 30 analysts with 170 standby personnel.

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HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard said, “HHS and the CDC are actively coordinating with state, local and global partners to ensure public health and safety during the FIFA World Cup 2026.” Georgetown’s Rebecca Katz called the command post an “early warning system.” Local officials noted expanded food-vendor inspections and cooling stations.

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Public-health experts warn the reduced federal footprint hampers coordination. Lori Freeman of the National Association of County and City Health Officials said CDC guidance arrived “months after host cities started preparations,” highlighting inter-jurisdictional gaps.

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Reuters and Georgetown report active CDC coordination, while NPR quotes former CDC chief Dr. Debra Houry describing a “muted presence.” Measles cases are cited as “around 2,000” and “approaching a record” without a precise total.

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• “It's incredibly powerful,” — Rebecca Katz, Director, Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security

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• “We've been focusing on expecting the expected” — Dr. Marcus Plescia, Fulton County Health Director

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• “We plan for the worst case scenario and go through it before it actually happens,” — Dr. Alister Martin, NYC Health Commissioner

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• “Usually, the CDC is a visible lead when we have international events in the United States, particularly across the country, versus just in a single state,” — Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer

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The command center will operate continuously through the tournament and serve as a pilot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Post-event analyses will assess wastewater-based epidemiology performance and may shape future federal policies on health surveillance for mass gatherings.

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