World Cup predictor stories have long attracted attention away from the pitch, but their accuracy can vary sharply. Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s claims for the 2026 tournament provide the clearest example, as his calls on Portugal and Argentina did not match the stated outcome.
The Ghanaian shaman predicted that Portugal would win the title and that Argentina would exit earlier. Portugal was instead eliminated by Spain, while Argentina advanced to the final to face La Roja.
Animal predictors have been given simple choices intended to represent the teams in a match. They may select flags, food bowls, relay batons, or even direct a football toward a goal.
| Predictor | Tournament | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Paul the Octopus | 2010 World Cup | Selected between team flag markers |
| Nelly the Elephant | 2014 World Cup | Kicked a ball toward flag-marked goals |
| Farah the Eagle | 2018 World Cup | Selected one of two relay batons |
| Achilles the Cat | 2018 World Cup | Selected one of two food bowls |
| Nana Kwaku Bonsam | 2026 World Cup | Made football prediction claims |
1. Paul the Octopus
Paul became one of the best-known animal predictors after being credited with correctly forecasting eight matches at the 2010 World Cup. The octopus was placed in an aquarium and presented with two options marked by the competing nations’ flags.
His selected marker was treated as a prediction of the winning team. Paul remained widely remembered after his death in October 2010.
2. Nelly the Elephant
Nelly, an elephant from Germany, was featured as a predictor during the 2014 World Cup. She made her choice by kicking a football toward one of two goals decorated with the teams’ flags.
The method made her selection immediately visible through the direction of the ball. Her appearance extended the public interest in animal predictors during major football tournaments.
3. Farah the Eagle
Farah appeared as a predictor at the 2018 World Cup and chose between two relay batons. Her prediction was not always correct, particularly in the Belgium versus France semifinal.
The eagle landed on Belgium’s option before France won the match. The episode showed that the spectacle of choosing could draw attention regardless of the final result.
4. Achilles the Cat
Achilles took part in match predictions during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Two food bowls containing the same contents were prepared, each marked with the flag of a competing nation.
The cat correctly selected Russia for the opening match against Saudi Arabia. Russia subsequently won that game 4-0.
5. Nana Kwaku Bonsam
Bonsam is a Ghanaian shaman known for claims linked to major international tournaments and African football. According to inet.detik.com, citing Bein Sport, he forecast an early Argentina exit and a Portugal title for the 2026 World Cup.
The stated tournament outcome went in the opposite direction for both teams. These stories remain part of the entertainment surrounding the World Cup, while match results are decided on the field.
