Neymar responded to the mathematician who predicted Brazil's defeat against Japan

In the midst of the celebration for Brazil's qualification to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, Neymar Jr. held nothing back and responded to the mathematician who had predicted their early elimination at the hands of Japan. The Canarinha achieved a dramatic comeback, winning 2-1 in Houston and advanced, despite the fact that the number 10 did not play any minutes on the field.

The Santos star took advantage of the victory to dedicate some pointed words to Joachim Klement, the specialist who created a mathematical model that accurately predicted the last three world champions. “Mr. Joachim Klement... please try again next Cup,” Neymar posted, making his irony clear after the failed upset.

Klement had gone viral in Brazil days earlier for his prediction: Japan would surprise and eliminate the national team in the round of 32. His system analyzed contexts, streaks, and probabilities, and had hit the mark with Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022.

The model that failed in Texas

For this edition in the United States, the mathematician placed the Netherlands as the future champion, with a final against Portugal. Along the way, he saw Japan as the big surprise by defeating Brazil. He argued the good form of the blue samurais: victory over Germany in the last World Cup, a 3-2 win in a recent friendly against the Canarinha, and successes against England and Scotland.

Despite not entering the match, Neymar celebrated with his teammates the heroic qualification. The team led by Carlo Ancelotti struggled but managed to pull through the match in a stadium that vibrated with the clash between South Americans and Asians.

The presence of the star on the bench was a topic of conversation. Ancelotti later explained that he had rested him thinking about a possible extra time, although the match was ultimately decided in the 90 minutes.

Predictions that no longer hold

Klement's model also had a scenario for Argentina: the only South American team to reach the quarter-finals, where they would fall to Portugal. That possibility has already been ruled out because the Portuguese finished second in their group and will not face the Albiceleste so soon.

Meanwhile, Brazil continues in the race and Neymar, still without minutes, remains active from the sidelines supporting the team. His message to the mathematician went viral quickly and reflects the competitive spirit of the player, who did not hesitate to respond publicly.

The green and yellow victory keeps alive the hope for a new world title. With a squad full of stars and Ancelotti's experience, the Canarinha will seek to improve their performance in the upcoming rounds. For now, the focus is on celebrating the advance to the round of 16 and leaving behind the negative predictions.

Joachim Klement previously acknowledged his surprise when Germany won in Brazil 2014, as no European had lifted the Cup on South American soil. His method seeks to go beyond the opinions of experts and rely on concrete data and probabilities. However, football has once again shown that surprises are always possible on the field.