Expert guide: 2026 FIFA World Cup

The University of Birmingham has a range of experts available to comment on key themes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This guide provides a consolidated overview of academic specialists who can offer insight into major issues shaping the tournament, such as player performance and preparation, as well as environmental conditions and nutrition.

Football Performance and Applied Exercise Science

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Dr Liam Anderson Assistant Professor in Applied Exercise Physiology l.anderson.4@bham.ac.uk	Elite football physiology, focusing on maximising performance and preparing players for competition.	What makes football's backroom teams truly effective?
Dr Tom Brownlee Assistant Professor in Applied Sport Sciences t.brownlee@bham.ac.uk	Sports performance, strength and conditioning, exploring how applied physiology enhances athletic performance.	How fit do you have to be to play at the World Cup?
Dr Barry Drust Professor of Applied Exercise Physiology b.drust@bham.ac.uk	Internationally recognised in football performance and player preparation in elite sport.	What are the major sports science trends that will influence the outcome of this World Cup?

Anti-Doping and Athlete Integrity

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Prof Ian Boardley Professor in Sport & Exercise Psychology i.d.boardley@bham.ac.uk	Anti-doping and the psychological factors influencing behaviour and integrity in sport.	The most ambitious anti-doping programme in World Cup history — does it go far enough?

Sports Nutrition and Fuelling Performance

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Prof Gareth Wallis Professor of Exercise Metabolism & Nutrition g.a.wallis@bham.ac.uk	Sports nutrition, with a focus on how diet and metabolism impact performance and recovery.	What do elite footballers actually eat — and does the science match the hype?

Heat, Environment and Exercise

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Dr Rebekah Lucas Lecturer in Exercise Physiology r.a.i.lucas@bham.ac.uk	Heat stress and how the body adapts to extreme environmental conditions during exercise.	How will footballers cope with the heat during the World Cup, and is moving games to the evening enough?

Climate, Air Quality and Major Sport Events

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Dr Joe Acton Air quality researcher j.acton@bham.ac.uk	Air pollution and air quality, including its impact during major sporting events. Conducted research on air pollution levels during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.	Is the World Cup an environmental health risk for players and fans?
Prof Bill Bloss Professor of Atmospheric Science w.j.bloss@bham.ac.uk	Expert in atmospheric science, focusing on the causes and impacts of air pollution. He conducted research on air pollution levels during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.	Is the World Cup an environmental health risk for players and fans?

Major Events, Policy and Social Impact

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Dr Shushu Chen Researcher in sport and social impact s.chen.5@bham.ac.uk	Social impact and legacy of major sporting events on communities and policy. Lead evaluator of the social impact of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.	Beyond the trophy — what does a World Cup actually leave behind?

Sport Education, Coaching and Global Engagement

Academic	Expertise	Questions
Prof Matt Bridge Professor of Coaching & Applied Sports Science m.bridge@bham.ac.uk	Coaching and applied sports science and skill development, with a focus on pathways to expertise in sport, including in football academy settings.	How are the best football academies developing technical skill, decision-making and game intelligence in young players?
Dr Martin Toms Associate Professor of Global Sport Education & Coaching m.r.toms@bham.ac.uk	Global sport development, youth sport and coaching, focusing on talent development in football.	How can coaches and communities harness the World Cup buzz for budding footballers?