Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Brazil star Neymar Jr took a playful swipe at German economist Joachim Klement after Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Klement’s prediction model, which had correctly forecast the last three World Cup winners, had tipped Japan to pull off a major upset by eliminating Brazil. However, the five-time champions overturned a first-half deficit to secure their place in the Round of 16. Soon after the win, Neymar posted on X: “Mr Joachim Klement… please try again at the next World Cup,” adding a wink emoji that quickly went viral among Brazilian fans.

Japan had threatened to shock Brazil before goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli completed the comeback. Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner sealed the victory and ended Japan’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Although Neymar did not feature in the match, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he had been saving the forward for extra time. Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on July 5.