Michael Owen Expresses Doubts Over England's 2026 World Cup Chances

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, former England striker Michael Owen has offered a pessimistic outlook on his nation's chances of lifting the trophy. Owen, a prominent figure from the 1998 World Cup, believes that the sweltering conditions expected in the host nation could severely hinder England's performance, describing the heat as a "horrible" factor.

Owen's reservations extend beyond just the climate. He also suggested that several other national teams possess greater overall quality than the current England squad, currently managed by Thomas Tuchel. This combination of challenging environmental factors and the perceived strength of rival contenders leads Owen to believe that England faces an uphill battle to end their long wait for a second World Cup title.

The 2026 tournament, set to feature an expanded 48 teams competing across 16 venues, will take place during June and July, traditionally the hottest months in many parts of the United States. While acknowledging England's talent and potential, Owen's comments highlight a key concern for many European teams accustomed to cooler climates, raising questions about how different nations will adapt to the demanding conditions across the vast North American landscape.