The report says health organisations, research groups, laboratories and local authorities would work together to track pathogens circulating in host communities.
The proposed surveillance would reportedly include influenza, measles and SARS-CoV-2, alongside less likely but serious threats. Wastewater samples can contain traces of pathogens shed through bodily fluids, offering a broad snapshot of community health rather than relying only on people who seek medical care.
That extra visibility could give authorities more time to test, vaccinate, isolate or treat people if a significant risk emerges.
A World Cup brings international travel, packed fan zones and rapidly changing crowds on a scale few sporting events can match. A supporter may spend one day in one host city and cross a national border soon afterwards, complicating efforts to trace transmission.
The report says daily updates could be shared with local health departments and national agencies. Genetic sequencing may also help identify variants or connect related outbreaks in different locations.
The value of the programme will depend on speed, accuracy and communication. A wastewater signal can indicate that a pathogen is present, but it cannot automatically reveal how many people are infected or how severe an outbreak may become.
As the tournament approaches, the key storyline will be whether health alerts can be turned into swift, proportionate action without overshadowing the football. The goal is for supporters to enjoy the global festival while a quieter protective network works in the background.