2026 World Cup: Michael Owen names favourites to win trophy, dark horses

Former England striker, Michael Owen, has tipped France to win the 2026 World Cup.

This year’s edition of the tournament kicks off on Thursday night.

Most bookmakers have Spain as their favourites to be world champions, adding to the European Championship they won two years ago.

But Owen, who played in three World Cups during his career, believes Les Bleus are “miles better” than the rest of the competition.

He also predicted that the Three Lions will make it to the semi-final at best, while Germany will be dark horses.

“I think England will be a quarter-final or a semi-final at best would be my guess, but I have a sneaky feeling that Germany could do well,” Owen told Metro.

“I think they could do well. So France would be my pick, England to get to the quarters or semis and Germany to be the dark horses.”

2026 World Cup: Michael Owen names favourites to win trophy, dark horses

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