FIFA has unveiled its Technical Study Group (TSG) for the 2026 World Cup, a panel of experts tasked with analyzing all 104 matches using cutting-edge technology. Among the members is Brazilian legend Gilberto Silva, who has already stirred the pot by declaring that his home nation is not among the tournament's top favorites.
Speaking during the TSG presentation, Silva, a World Cup winner in 2002, offered his early assessment: "I see France very strong, Spain... let's see if Ancelotti can put the pieces together, but I don't consider Brazil among the great favorites now. I want to see Portugal... Argentina is always there, they have added young talent." The comments mark a departure from Brazil's perennial status as a title contender.
The TSG includes a diverse lineup of former players and coaches: 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 is led by FIFA's senior football expert Pascal Zuberbühler and Tom Gardner, head of Football Performance Insights, with support from data analysts in Miami, Dallas, and Manchester.
For the first time, fans will have access to real-time analysis during the group stage, and the TSG will produce enhanced metrics through the 'Enhanced Football Intelligence' service. Wenger explained: "Thanks to an unprecedented volume of high-quality data, the TSG will be able to describe, analyze, and interpret what happens on the pitch in a way that inspires both technical experts and fans."
Silva elaborated on the evolution of tactics, noting the decline of the classic number 10: "We don't see much of the classic number 10 anymore. The creator player who attacks... if he is very tactical, it becomes heavy at times." He also highlighted the changing role of strikers: "What we have seen and will see is that it's not only the center forward who scores; you no longer depend so much on the 9 or the 10."
Jon Dahl Tomasson, the former Danish striker, added his perspective on the 'false nine' trend: "It's true that teams play less and less with that profile. But Kane, although he has a more mobile profile, is a 9. There is high pressure, very intense, and perhaps that is why that profile is disappearing." He also named potential surprises: "France, Spain, England are there; Morocco could be a surprise."
The TSG will have access to six camera angles and thousands of real-time data points per match, allowing them to deliver unprecedented tactical insights. Wenger emphasized: "We are not just collecting more data than before; we are trying to find the right balance between technical knowledge and data. At the same time, we want to share our technical observations in real time during the tournament."
Silva also addressed the physical demands: "I think we will see a similar physical level to the World Cup in Qatar." And on the challenge of managing national teams compared to clubs: "In a club you have more time to work on details for many years, but with the national team it's completely different. Then there are players you want to use but they get injured when the competition arrives."
The TSG will also select the winners of the tournament's individual awards, adding another layer of responsibility to their analytical work. With a mix of legends and modern thinkers, this panel is set to shape how the world understands the 2026 World Cup.
Based on reporting from Marca.