Goat who correctly predicted England's first four games gives prediction for Mexico clash
The 2026 World Cup has been the tournament of the old GOATs giving it one more go.
Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić and Cristiano Ronaldo have all performed at remarkably high levels for their ageing years, with Ronaldo even managing to get his first ever World Cup knock-out goal.
But now it looks like an actual goat is after making an impact on the tournament.
A 10-week-old Royal Golden Guernsey goat has predicted the right result for each of England's four World Cup matches so far.
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The buckling correctly predicted Thomas Tuchel's side to defeat Croatia and Panama in the group stages, while it also impressively called a draw against Ghana.
It then opted for England to overcome DR Congo in the Round of 32 and, though England did their best to end its perfect record, the goat proved to be correct.
Now the clairvoyant farmyard creature has made his call for Monday's game vs Mexico.
It's not looking good.
Goat makes England vs Mexico World Cup prediction
Sadly, it looks like England's dream of ending 60 years of hurt will come to an end at the Azteca. If Clinton Goatiste is actually any good, that is.
The horned mystic has predicted Mexico will win the last 16 knock-out tie in Mexico City, which is set to kick-off at 1am BST.
Like the great Paul the Octopus before him, the goat makes his predictions through the medium of food.
Instead of a box of muscles or oysters, though, the goat is presented with two bottles of milk standing over the flag of each competing nation, with the bottle he opts for being taken as the prediction.
The goat didn't take either bottle for the Ghana match, leading to the draw prediction, but made no hesitation after he was released by his owner and headed straight for the Mexico flag.
England at 'huge disadvantage' vs Mexico
It's not just the predictions of goats with the gift of foresight England have to deal with in Mexico, as it appears the fates are conspiring against them.
El Tri have an incredible record at the Azteca, having lost just two competitive games there ever, with the last coming in 2013.
They are unbeaten in World Cup games in their stadium, too, and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
England fans will be vastly outnumbered in the stadium, while the FA are taking precautions to ensure their players' sleep isn't disturbed by locals on the night before the game.
On top of all that, England will have to deal with high altitude, something Tuchel has admitted gives the Three Lions a problem.
"I'm not sure we are ready, because it's a huge disadvantage for us because Mexico play there since the tournament started and they have adapted to the altitude," the manager told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We don't have enough time to adapt. It's a big disadvantage and I'm not sure if we get a lot of other disadvantages.
"I'm not sure if the travel will be smooth, if the sleep will be smooth, if there's noise outside the hotel. OK, bring it on.
"It's a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready for whatever it takes."
Daniel Murphy