FIFA

Author: Gist Correspondent

World football governing body, FIFA, has announced an 11-member Technical Study Group (TSG) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with former players and coaches selected to analyse matches and determine winners of key individual awards during the tournament.

The panel was unveiled on Monday during a virtual media briefing ahead of the competition, which kicks off next month at Estadio Azteca.

Leading the group is FIFA Senior Football Expert Pascal Zuberbühler. Other members include former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta, former Germany striker and coach Jürgen Klinsmann, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, former Ghana coach Otto Addo, Costa Rica football legend Paulo Wanchope and Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva.

Also appointed to the panel are Tobin Heath, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Jayne Ludlow and Aron Winter.

According to FIFA, the Technical Study Group will monitor tactical trends, analyse performances and also decide winners of the Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Best Young Player awards during the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time in the competition’s history, with 104 matches scheduled across host venues.

A FIFA spokesperson described the panel as a reflection of the global nature of football.

“The TSG captures the heartbeat of global football. By blending expert observation with cutting-edge data, this team will provide the official record of how football is played at the highest level in 2026,” the spokesperson said.