Neymar did not miss the opportunity to respond to one of the predictions that had the most to talk about in the 2026 World Cup. After Brazil's dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32, the Brazilian attacker sent a message addressed to the German economist Joachim Klement, who had anticipated the elimination of the Canarinha.

The forward used his social networks to ironize the failed prediction, after Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal in added time and secured Brazil's ticket to the round of 16.

Neymar responds to the prediction that Brazil was eliminated

The Brazilian footballer's publication did not take long to generate reactions among fans, since the mathematical model developed by Joachim Klement had gained notoriety before the start of the direct elimination phase.

"Mr. Joachim Klement... Please, try it in the next Cup," Neymar wrote after the final whistle.

The message came after the Brazilian team denied one of the most talked-about predictions of the tournament.

Who is Joachim Klement and why did his forecast attract attention?

Before the confrontation between Brazil and Japan was confirmed, Joachim Klement assured, based on a statistical model developed by himself, that the Canarinha would finish as leader of Group C, but would be eliminated by the Asian team in the round of 32.

His analysis became relevant because he previously guessed the champions of the last three World Cups: Germany in 2014, France in 2018 and Argentina in 2022.

For the 2026 edition, the economist predicted that the Netherlands will win the title.

Brazil reacted in time and eliminated Japan

The match was far from easy for Brazil, which started down on the scoreboard after Kaishu Sano's goal in the 29th minute after an error in the ball's exit.

The reaction came in the second half. Casemiro tied the match in the 56th minute with a header and, when extra time seemed inevitable, Gabriel Martinelli appeared in the 96th minute to seal the comeback and Canarinha's place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Now, Brazil awaits the winner of the series between Norway and Ivory Coast.

Neymar did not play, but Ancelotti had a plan for him

Although Neymar remained on the bench throughout the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he was contemplating his entry depending on the development of the match.

The Italian coach explained that he would have used the forward before the 60th minute if Brazil did not get the tie and he also planned to give him minutes during a possible extra time.

However, Gabriel Martinelli's agonizing goal prevented extra time and modified the strategist's plans, who will now be able to manage Neymar's return for the next match of the 2026 World Cup.