The former Black Stars gaffer will be at the World Cup while working for FIFA despite losing his job with the African giants
Former Ghana head coach Otto Addo has reportedly been selected to serve on FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a prestigious panel responsible for analysing tactical trends, match data, set-piece innovations and overall team performances during the tournament, GhanaSportsCentral.com understands.
Technical Study Group also plays a major role in determining several individual awards at the Mundial, including the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and other standout performance recognitions. FIFA traditionally appoints experienced coaches, former players and technical experts from across the football world to the panel to provide in-depth analysis throughout the competition.
Addo’s reported appointment comes only weeks after his departure from the Ghana national team. Despite guiding the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 50-year-old was dismissed following a string of disappointing performances in international friendlies, including a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria and a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany.
Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger and led by Pascal Zuberbühler, the Technical Study Group will feature Otto Addo, Tobin Heath, Jürgen Klinsmann, Jayne Ludlow, Michael O’Neill, Gilberto Silva, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Paulo Wanchope, Aron Winter and Pablo Zabaleta.
Guided by FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, the TSG consists of Otto Addo (Ghana), Tobin Heath (USA), Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), Jayne Ludlow (Wales), Michael O’Neill (Northern Ireland), Gilberto Silva (Brazil), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark), Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica), Aron Winter (Netherlands) and Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina). The panel will be led by FIFA Senior Football Expert Pascal Zuberbühler and Lead of Football Performance Insights (FPI) Tom Gardner and supported by a team of football analysts, data engineers, data scientists and performance analysts based on-site in Miami and Dallas and off-site in Manchester (United Kingdom).
The Ghana Football Association subsequently appointed veteran Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz, who has traits to Africa, as Addo’s replacement ahead of the World Cup holding in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 73-year-old, who has previously coached Portugal and Iran at the World Cup, will now lead Ghana into Group L where the Black Stars are scheduled to face England, Panama and Croatia.
FIFA’s Technical Study Group has historically included some of the most respected names in football, with the panel producing detailed tactical reports and performance insights during major tournaments. Their observations often influence modern coaching trends, player development and football analytics worldwide.
After the appointment was officially confirmed, Addo became the only African coach to hold such a high-profile technical role at a FIFA World Cup, underlining his growing recognition within global football circles despite his recent exit from the Black Stars.
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign on June 18 with a date with Panama before facing England and Croatia for a place in the knockout phase.
