Mathematician who calls last three World Cups picks the Netherlands to win their first title (opens original article in a new tab)

Mathematician Joachim Klement, who correctly predicted the last three World Cup winners, has selected the Netherlands to win the 2026 tournament, despite them being long shots according to bookmakers.

• Mathematician Joachim Klement's model correctly predicted the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cup winners
• Klement's model for 2026 predicts Netherlands to win, beating Spain and Portugal in semifinals and final
• Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals but never won, with 2026 campaign starting with a draw against Japan
• Bookmakers' favorites for 2026 are France, Spain, and England, while Netherlands are considered long shots