When discussions around the FIFA World Cup begin, predictions often come from former footballers, television pundits or passionate supporters. Yet, one of the most accurate forecasters in recent years has been a German economist who never intended to become a football oracle.
Joachim Klement has quietly built a reputation that many football analysts would envy. He correctly predicted Germany's triumph in 2014, France's success in 2018 and Argentina's memorable victory in 2022. Now, with the 2026 edition underway, the economist has made another bold call, backing the Netherlands to become world champions for the first time in history.
Who is Joachim Klement?
Joachim Klement is a German economist, financial strategist and author known primarily for his work in economics and investment research.
His unexpected rise to fame in football circles came after he developed a data-driven model designed to test whether football tournaments could actually be predicted.
According to NDTV, instead of relying on current form, star players or emotional factors, Klement used measurable indicators such as population size, FIFA rankings and broader statistical trends.
The results surprised even him.
His model accurately pointed to Germany in Brazil, France in Russia, and Argentina in Qatar, giving him almost mythical status among football fans.
Despite the attention, Klement has consistently rejected the idea that he possesses any secret formula.
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An economist who never wanted to predict football
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Klement's journey is that he initially wanted to prove that predicting football was impossible.
In interviews with international media outlets, he has often described himself as "the luckiest economist in the world".
He has repeatedly stressed that football remains an unpredictable sport where chance continues to play a major role.
According to NDTV, his model explains only part of what happens during a tournament. Injuries, moments of brilliance and unexpected upsets remain impossible to forecast accurately.
That humility has only strengthened public fascination with his predictions.
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The Dutch have reached three World Cup finals but have never managed to lift the trophy. (FIFA.com)
Why he believes Netherlands can win in 2026
For the ongoing World Cup, Klement's model points towards the Netherlands ending one of football's longest heartbreak stories.
The Dutch have reached three World Cup finals but have never managed to lift the trophy.
According to NDTV, Klement believes the country's long-term statistical profile makes them strong contenders to break that curse finally.
While he admits that luck remains the biggest factor in football, fans around the world are paying attention.
After all, three correct predictions in a row are difficult to dismiss as coincidence.
Whether the Netherlands can justify the economist's faith remains one of the intriguing subplots of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
