THE FUTURE IS ORANGE
The passing of Paul the Octopus in 2010 left a notable gap in the realm of World Cup predictions. Following his remarkable accuracy, attempts to find a suitable successor have largely fallen short. Creatures like Leon the Porcupine, Anton the Tamarin, and Petty the Pygmy Hippopotamus failed to make their mark, leading many to conclude that the golden age of animal oracle predictions had come to an end. The situation worsened in 2018 when a new octopus named Rabio made predictions but was tragically killed by a Japanese fisherman, despite having accurately predicted all three of Japan’s group matches.
Among the contenders during the 2010 World Cup, Mani the Parakeet stood out, achieving a flawless prediction record in the quarter-finals before ultimately misjudging the final by selecting the Netherlands over Spain. The Dutch have faced heartbreak in the finals of 1974, 1978, and 2010, but optimism arises as they gear up for a potential breakthrough in 2026.
Joachim Klement, a mathematician from Germany, may not be as renowned as historical figures like Pierre de Fermat or Albert Einstein, but his predictive model could soon gain popularity, particularly if the Netherlands succeeds this year. Klement’s formula combines various factors, including GDP per capita, population size, football culture, FIFA rankings, and a sprinkle of luck, ultimately singling out the Netherlands as the champion. His past predictions have proven uncannily accurate, successfully forecasting the winners of the last three World Cups: Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022. Such a track record would surely earn Paul the Octopus’ approval from his heavenly abode.
Initially, Klement’s forecast drew some attention, but skepticism arose when it was revealed that he had chosen the Netherlands for 2026. Critics pointed to a shaky defense, the absence of a world-class striker, declining quality in the Eredivisie, and recent managerial turmoil following Arne Slot’s dismissal by Liverpool. However, the Netherlands has silenced doubters by securing first place in a tough group, amassing seven points and netting ten goals thus far. Should Brian Brobbey, with three goals to his name, emerge as the tournament’s top scorer, it would certainly overshadow Klement’s mathematical prowess, especially if an ocelot in Peru had also predicted his success.
LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Today features six matches to satisfy GWC enthusiasts, beginning with Scott Murray’s live commentary on the goalless draw between France and Norway. Simultaneously, Daniel Gallan will report on Senegal’s match against Iraq as Group I wraps up with two 4pm EDT/9pm BST kick-offs. Group H will also conclude with Cape Verde facing Saudi Arabia, guided by Beau Dure, while Tom Lutz covers Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay. Both of these matches kick off at 8pm EDT/1am BST. Meanwhile, in Seattle’s Group G Pride match, Egypt triumphed over Iran 2-1, with Jonathan Howcroft at the helm, and Sam Lewis will oversee New Zealand’s contest against Belgium, which ended 1-2. These games also start at 11pm EDT/5am BST.
ON THE BALL
The Big Website app now hosts a special edition of On the Ball for the GWC. Dubbed On the Ball: World Stage, it challenges users to guess the World Cup player in five attempts—an intriguing task that promises to captivate. You can dive into the game right now, along with plenty of other engaging puzzles to keep you entertained.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“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”“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,”
said Graham Potter, commenting on Anthony Elanga’s emotional collapse after Sweden’s 1-1 draw with Japan, where the winger believed his team had lost their chance at qualification.added Alexander Isak.
Exciting Football Weekly Live events are on the horizon! If you’re eager to catch Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, and other beloved pod squad members in person, join us in Dublin on September 1 or in London on September 9. Although the Football Weekly: Live event in New York City on July 16 is sold out, livestream tickets remain available.
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
‘writing themselves into the history books’
‘entered themselves at the datacentre’
If you have any letters to share, please send them to the.boss@. Today’s prizeless letter o’ the day is … Michael Hill. For terms and conditions regarding our competitions, see here.
Ecstasy for Ecuador and a draw secures Australia’s progression – catch the latest episode of World Cup Daily.
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