Otto Addo joins FIFA Technical Study Group for 2026 World Cup

Former Ghana coach Otto Addo has been named in FIFA’s 11-member Technical Study Group for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the only African representative on the panel.

The group, made up of some of football’s most respected technical minds, will be responsible for analysing all 104 matches at the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Their role will involve identifying tactical, technical and physical trends throughout the competition, while providing expert insights aimed at shaping the future development of world football.

Otto Addo joins an elite lineup that includes former Argentina and Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta, ex-United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Tobin Heath, Paulo Wanchope and Pascal Zuberbühler among others.

The appointment represents another major recognition for the former Black Stars boss, who guided Ghana to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and remains one of the continent’s most respected football minds.

FIFA’s Technical Study Group traditionally plays a key role during major tournaments, producing in-depth analysis on emerging tactical systems, player performances, pressing structures, transitions, fitness demands and innovations shaping the modern game.

With the 2026 edition set to become the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 nations and 104 matches, the group’s observations are expected to heavily influence coaching and football development worldwide.

Daraja Kapoor

Daraja Kapoor is a highly respected football journalist, editor and analyst, known for his compelling storytelling and sharp, data-driven insights into the game. He specialises in match analysis, features, emerging talent coverage and football trends across Africa.He holds a degree in English from the University of Cape Coast and has built a strong reputation in the media industry through his disciplined approach and deep understanding of football.Daraja received his journalistic training at leading news platform Ghanaguardian.com and has worked with some of the most prominent football websites in Ghana, including Footballmadeinghana.com and Ghanasoccernet.com. He also served as Sports Editor of Talysports.com, where he played a key role in shaping editorial direction and content strategy.He is currently the Managing Editor of African.Football, where he leads the platform’s editorial vision, overseeing content production, quality control and the delivery of authoritative African football coverage to a global audience.

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