What have a dolphin, a cat and a decorated German economist all got in common?
The answer – they are amongst the long list of supposed mystics that have chanced their arm at predicting the results of this year’s World Cup. Ever since Paul the Octopus hit the headlines back in 2010 with his uncanny ability to guess winners, every tournament sees more and more would-be Nostradamuses, both human and animal, using a mix of techniques to work out what might happen on football’s biggest stage.
And just as with the players, this year’s World Cup has seen new stars emerge on the fortune telling scene, as well as the abilities of legendary old predictors seemingly fade away. The Daily Star takes a look at the breakout star predictors and those that should probably put away their crystal ball for good.
Uri Geller vs the Ghanaian witch doctor
Perhaps the most high profile World Cup prediction was that of the so-called Ghanaian witch doctor, who made global headlines by placing a ‘curse’ on Harry Kane ahead of the England vs Ghana match.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam claimed responsibility for Kane’s missed sitter and the resulting 0-0 draw, before later announcing he was “releasing” the striker to score in subsequent games.
Bonsam told reporters: “I am working on Harry Kane. I am not wishing him serious injury. It will be just enough to stop him against my country. I will do my work so that it can help Ghana.”
Kane has scored an impressive 6 World Cup goals despite drawing a blank in the Ghana game, with many pointing to Bonsam’s influence as the reason why.
However, the west African spiritualist is not the only person claiming to have had an input on the England frontman’s goal tally.
Self-described psychic Uri Geller also took ownership of Kane’s return to form following his disappointing showing against Ghana, telling the Daily Star that he “will cancel it.”
He explained: “Before the match, I will send vibrations. I will activate all my powers, all my energy, all my know-how to stop his negative vibrations from hitting Harry Kane.”
Considering the Bayern Munich man’s stellar form since the unlikely pair put their powers towards his footballing success, fans will be hoping that Kane can carry England to victory.
Psychic score: 7/10
Mexican menagerie
Considering the tournament was on home turf, it should perhaps be of no surprise that a whole host of Mexican animals were drafted in to try and predict El Tri’s World Cup run.
One zoo in Guadalajara saw elephants, gorillas, capybaras and giraffes all attempting to guess the results of their opening three games, while the likes of cats, ducks and even a viral AI axolotl giving it a go.
The award for Mexico’s most successful mystic creature however has to go to the psychic dolphin Hidalgo, who at one point had a 100% success rate of guessing tournament winners.
Hidalgo, who lives at a water park in Isla Mujeres, predicts the games by picking up a ball in his mouth and lobbing it at one of the two teams.
The mystic marine mammal was 4 for 4 going into Mexico’s now iconic clash against England, although for the fifth time in a row the patriotic dolphin went for El Tri to be victorious, and with that his impressive run of results was over.
Psychic score: 5.5/10
Psychic Shark
The most terrifying of the predictors is undoubtedly Ritinha the Brazilian shark, who hit the headlines at the start of the tournament by backing Brazil in their opening game against Morocco.
While the sharp-toothed soothsayer didn’t quite get that right, her aquarium assistants failed to offer her the option of a draw, instead only giving her two food containers marked with the opponent’s respective flags.
Had Ritinha not been stitched up from the start, who knows how she could have fared over the rest of the competition, but unfortunately after incorrectly guessing the Morocco game it seems her handlers ended the guessing game for good.
Psychic score: 3/10
Alien invasion
Easily the winner of the barmiest World Cup prediction belongs to Vó Bahiana, who bizarrely claimed that aliens were going to abduct players and fans during Scotland’s crucial clash with her home country Brazil.
The South American soothsayer revealed that she had seen thousands of attendees being abducted from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Florida by an army of nefarious-sounding aliens.
Bahiana, whose real name is Elisângela de Souza, is an online spiritualist, tarot card reader and internet personality and has amassed more than one million followers across social media.
Bahiana, who claims to have correctly predicted injuries to the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Junior as well as several celebrity deaths, described her vision in specific detail. She said there would be a “massive” spacecraft that will descend directly onto the field.
An alien army, were apparently planning on coming out of the craft and rounding up a load of players, referees, and nearby fans.
She wrote: “You have to save humanity. Save this date. I’m going to say I’m still feeling very bad and what despair, my God.”
Thankfully, Bahiana’s prediction never came to fruition.
Psychic score: 1/10
Three lions glory
Not too many mystics appear to be backing the Three Lions this summer, with many going with the bookies’ favourites Spain and France.
However, one serial predictor, who successfully guessed the last two World Cup winners, has plumped for England to bring football home.
Self-described business astrologer Greenstone Lobo, who uses the formation of the stars and an apparent deep understanding of numbers to guess who might win a football match, has said everything is pointing to a successful tournament for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“This entire team is looking phenomenal. Harry Kane is not alone, and you’re going to hear the name of Jude Bellingham throughout this tournament.”
“Football is coming home. England will go on to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup”.
Psychic score: 10/10…..?