FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, has detailed the reasoning behind selecting former Ghana head coach Otto Addo and a distinguished panel of football figures for the Technical Study Group (TSG) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Addo joins a high-profile group featuring Tobin Heath, Jürgen Klinsmann, Jayne Ludlow, Michael O’Neill, Gilberto Silva, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Paulo Wanchope, Aron Winter, and Pablo Zabaleta.

The TSG will operate under the leadership of FIFA Senior Football Expert Pascal Zuberbühler and Football Performance Insights lead Tom Gardner, supported by a specialized team of analysts and data engineers based in Miami, Dallas, and Manchester.

Speaking to FIFA, Wenger emphasized that the group is designed to deepen the understanding of the modern game while anticipating its future evolution.

He noted that the TSG helps identify emerging trends, prepares future generations for development, and contributes to the sport's excitement by highlighting essential player qualities for the years ahead.

Wenger further explained that the integration of advanced data will be central to the group's mission, complementing technical expertise with real-time analysis.

He stated that the unprecedented level of high-quality data will allow the TSG to describe and interpret on-pitch events in a way that inspires both experts and fans, striking a balance between technical observation and statistical insight.

The TSG is tasked with assessing all 104 matches of the tournament from tactical positions within stadiums or a dedicated performance hub in Miami.

Members will utilise six video angles and thousands of live data points per match, while also holding the responsibility of selecting players for official tournament awards.

Otto Addo’s appointment comes despite recent scrutiny regarding his coaching career.

The former Black Stars manager was relieved of his duties in March following consecutive defeats to Austria and Germany.

While Addo moves into this technical role, the Ghana national team is preparing for its 2026 World Cup campaign in Group L.

The Black Stars are scheduled to open their tournament against Panama in Toronto on June 17, followed by a fixture against England in Boston on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.