Former Otto Addo head coach Otto Addo has reportedly secured a key role with FIFA ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being named to the organisation’s prestigious Technical Study Group (TSG).
The former Black Stars trainer is expected to work with FIFA during the tournament, where he will help analyse tactical systems, match statistics, set-piece strategies and team performances throughout the competition.
The Technical Study Group is also responsible for contributing to the selection of major individual awards at the World Cup, including the Golden Ball and Golden Boot honours. FIFA traditionally appoints experienced coaches, football legends and technical experts from different parts of the world to serve on the panel.
Addo’s inclusion comes shortly after his departure from the Ghana national team. Although he successfully guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 50-year-old lost his position following disappointing results in recent international friendlies, including a heavy 5-1 defeat against Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany.
The Technical Study Group will work under the supervision of former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who serves as FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, alongside FIFA Senior Football Expert Pascal Zuberbühler.
The panel includes Otto Addo (Ghana), Tobin Heath, Jürgen Klinsmann, Jayne Ludlow, Michael O’Neill, Gilberto Silva, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Paulo Wanchope, Aron Winter and Pablo Zabaleta.FIFA stated that the group will also be supported by football analysts, data engineers, scientists and performance experts operating from Miami, Dallas and Manchester.
Following Addo’s departure, the Ghana Football Association appointed veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as the new Black Stars manager ahead of the World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Queiroz, who previously managed Portugal and Iran at the FIFA World Cup, is expected to lead Ghana in Group L against England, Panama and Croatia.
FIFA’s Technical Study Group has historically featured some of football’s most respected personalities, with its reports and tactical observations often shaping coaching methods, player development and football analytics around the world.
With his appointment now confirmed, Otto Addo becomes the only African coach on the high-profile panel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further strengthening his growing reputation in global football despite his recent exit from the Black Stars.
Ghana will begin their World Cup journey on June 18 against Panama before facing England and Croatia in the remaining group matches.
