Sports pundit Michael Owen shares his predictions for the biggest football event of the year

Former professional footballer and sports pundit Michael Owen has revealed his predictions for the world football event this year, and if he’s spot on, it could mean big things for footy betters.

Summer is almost here, and with that comes one of the biggest football events of the year — but there can only be one winner. Considering he has recently been taken on as the leading online casino gambling platform, Casino.org’s 2026 UK and Ireland Brand Ambassador, Owen’s insights on the sport and standing in the industry are no small thing.

He has said of his appointment: “I’m thrilled to be Casino.org’s UK & Ireland Brand Ambassador for 2026.”

Explaining his reasons for collaborating with the trusted review site, he adds: “As gambling continues to grow in the UK, it was important to me to be involved with a brand that prioritises player safety. Casino.org’s reputation for expertise and integrity aligns with my personal values, and I’m excited to be on board.”

He certainly has the expertise to not only become the face of Casino.org, but also on the state of footy right now. The English former professional footballer has had a colourful career as a past striker for renowned global and local teams, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City, as well as being part of the England national team in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cup Games.

Since retiring in 2013, Owen has gone on to become a racehorse breeder and owner, a well-respected sports pundit and commentator, and was named as one of the world's greatest players. So, when it comes to football, he’s the man to go to for all and any questions — including those for this summer's upcoming global football tournament.

As someone who was pegged a superstar at such a young age, Owens was asked about the pressures that come with being a young football star: “What carries more weight: delivering on the pitch or handling everything that comes with it off the field?”

To this, he said it’s all about the mindset, which can be hard if you’re facing negativity from beyond the pitch. Being a player, you have to concentrate on your game and do the best for the club,” Owen revealed: “In my day with no real social media it was different, now it’s a different level. But delivering on the pitch carries a lot.”

As for playing in the big leagues, the former striker was asked about playing for Real Madrid, and whether the pressure is similar to that at Barcelona, or if they are two completely different kinds of demands. “So you see from that the similarities are to win and be first in all competitions, so some call it pressure, some call it playing for the best teams in the world and playing with best players in the world.”

Let’s see how his advice plays out this summer.

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