Joachim Klement, a German mathematician, has developed a formula that predicts the Netherlands will win the 2026 Geopolitics World Cup. His model, which factors in GDP per capita, population, football culture, FIFA rankings, and luck, has correctly forecasted the winners of the last three tournaments: Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022.
Animal Oracles Past and Present
The world of World Cup predictions has seen a void since the death of Paul the Octopus in 2010. Other animal tipsters like Leon the Porcupine, Anton the Tamarin, and Petty the Pygmy Hippopotamus failed to match Paul's accuracy. In 2018, a new octopus named Rabio was killed by a Japanese fisher despite correctly predicting all three of Japan's group games. The best of the rival bunch in 2010 was Mani the Parakeet, who correctly tipped all quarter-finals but erred in the final by selecting the Netherlands over Paul's pick, Spain.
Klement's Track Record
Klement's past success has drawn attention, though his 2026 prediction for the Netherlands was initially met with skepticism due to the team's perceived weaknesses: an iffy defence, lack of a world-class striker, and a history of near-misses. However, the Netherlands have topped their group with seven points and 10 goals scored, vindicating Klement's formula. If Brian Brobbey finishes as top scorer with three goals so far, Klement's achievement may be overshadowed by an ocelot in Peru that tipped Brobbey for the Golden Boot.
Group Stage Results and Upcoming Matches
The tournament continues with six matches, including France vs. Norway, Senegal vs. Iraq, Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, Spain vs. Uruguay, Egypt vs. Iran, and New Zealand vs. Belgium. The app features a special edition of On the Ball: World Stage for fans to guess players.
Quotes and Reactions
Graham Potter commented on Anthony Elanga's despair after Sweden's 1-1 draw with Japan, saying: "It couldn't have been any clearer for him. He's obviously thinking about something else, bless him. I love him at the moment, but dear me." Alexander Isak added: "He got a little scolding from me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match and you can understand that now."
Other News
Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration after the USA's 3-2 loss to Turkey, demanding congratulations for finishing first in their group. Côte d'Ivoire coach Emerse Fae called Bastian Schweinsteiger's comments about African football "wild" and "unorthodox" as potentially racist. Lewis Ferguson felt Scotland "let ourselves down a bit" after their Group C campaign. Ecuador's president Daniel Noboa declared a national holiday after the team's 2-1 win over Germany. Manchester City agreed a £116m fee for Elliot Anderson, and Newcastle faced a £3.2m HMRC demand over tax failures. 1860 Munich launched insolvency proceedings, and André Onana is set to return to Trabzonspor on loan.
