Ferdinand, Owen Disagree On 2026 FIFA World Cup Favourites

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has switched his prediction for the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner, backing Spain ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 8 p.m. later today, June 11.

Ferdinand had previously tipped France to lift the trophy but admitted he had changed his view because of Spain’s strength when fully fit. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, he first outlined why he believes France remain a major threat.

He said, “If Didier Deschamps manages [Ousmane] Dembele and [Kylian] Mbappe, they will go and win it. Right, Kylian, your best games, the best I have seen you, are from the left. You go on the left, you cut in and just slap goals, and you get six goals this tournament. Dembele, you start the press, and you finish things off and get five goals. [Desire] Doue on the right and [Michael] Olise in the No.10. Game over. Game over, no questions. No more questions, your honour.”

However, when pressed to name his outright favourites, Ferdinand opted for the reigning European champions. “A fit Lamine Yamal, a fit Nico Williams and a fit Rodri… Spain takes some beating. I have been saying France every day until today,” he said. Explaining the late change of heart, Ferdinand added: “I don’t know, I just thought if those boys are fit, then they go and win it.”

Meanwhile, former England striker Michael Owen has gone in the opposite direction, tipping France to emerge as world champions. The ex-Liverpool forward believes Les Bleus possess more quality than any other side heading into the competition, despite Spain being widely regarded by bookmakers as favourites.

Owen, who featured in three World Cups during his playing career, also expects England to fall short of the final and identified Germany as potential surprise contenders.

Speaking to Metro, he said: “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. 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.”