Toronto Public Health will develop a wastewater surveillance program to monitor potential disease outbreaks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Toronto Public Health plans to launch a wastewater surveillance program to monitor infectious diseases ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative will test sewage from fan zones and crowded areas to detect early signs of viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and measles.
Officials said the project will serve as an early warning system, allowing health teams to respond quickly to potential outbreaks during the tournament. “Wastewater surveillance helps us identify community trends before clinical data appears,” Toronto’s medical officer of health said.
The city previously used sewage testing to track COVID-19 trends but paused the program in 2024 after changes to provincial reporting. The new pilot will revive the approach, focusing on World Cup venues and high-traffic sites.
Authorities expect the system to complement clinical testing and strengthen Toronto’s readiness to host thousands of visitors safely during the global event.