FIFA has announced an 11-member Technical Study Group that will analyse matches and oversee the selection of individual award winners during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The panel was revealed on Monday ahead of the tournament, which is set to kick off next month at Estadio Azteca.
Former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler will lead the group as FIFA Senior Football Expert.
The committee includes former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta, former Germany striker and coach Jürgen Klinsmann, and Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill.
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Also named on the panel are former Ghana coach Otto Addo, Costa Rica legend Paulo Wanchope, Brazil World Cup winner Gilberto Silva, former United States star Tobin Heath, Denmark coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, former Wales international Jayne Ludlow and ex-Netherlands midfielder Aron Winter.
According to FIFA, the Technical Study Group will monitor tactical developments, player performances and overall trends throughout the tournament.
The panel will also determine winners of key individual honours, including the Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Best Young Player awards.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, with 104 matches scheduled under the expanded format.
FIFA said the initiative is aimed at combining expert football knowledge with modern data analysis to provide detailed insights into how the game is played at the highest level.
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