Economist Joachim Klement has failed to predict the World Cup winner for the first time in four editions, as his forecasted champion, the Netherlands, was eliminated in the last 32.
Klement had correctly predicted Germany (2014), France (2018), and Argentina (2022) using his economic models. This year, his models pointed to Ronald Koeman's Netherlands side.
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The Dutch team topped Group F after a 5-1 win over Sweden but lost to Morocco on penalties in the knockout stage.
On his investment blog, Klement admitted, "After 12 years and being lucky in three World Cups, I ran out of luck.
I set out to prove that economic models are not as accurate as many people believe and finally, I was proven right."
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His model also predicted Japan would eliminate Brazil, but Brazil advanced after a stoppage-time goal by Gabriel Martinelli.
Brazilian forward Neymar responded on social media platform X, saying, "Mr Joachim Klement … Please try again in the next World Cup."
Klement replied, "After last night I dare to believe as well," backing Brazil.
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Klement had also predicted Germany would reach the round of 16. Brazil now face either Côte d'Ivoire or Norway on Sunday.
