Prof. Markus Egert predicted World Cup results using gut bacteria — unfortunately, the bacteria were right
The oracle for predicting game results — successfully developed at Furtwangen University for the 2024 European Championship — was back in action for the 2026 World Cup as well. In this “bacteria oracle” — which is not meant to be taken entirely seriously — a culture of harmless E. coli bacteria thrives in a large Petri dish. A graphic of a small soccer field, complete with goals in both national colours, is placed beneath the transparent bottom of the dish. In the goal area where more colonies appear after a two- to three-day incubation period, more goals are scored. The oracle was developed by Prof. Dr. Markus Egert (Faculty III: Health, Medical & Life Sciences), who, as a leading professor of hygiene in Germany, also conducts studies on the bacterial contamination of household items, among other things.
A soccer fan, Egert was inspired by animal oracles such as the legendary octopus Paul, who “predicted” World Cup results as early as 2010. “It’s okay to have a little fun with your own research discipline,” says Egert. For the oracle, the key is to distribute just a few bacteria very evenly across the culture medium. This allows for precise observation of growth — in the form of dots (colonies) that can then be seen in the two halves of the field. The Escherichia coli bacteria culture used for the oracle is otherwise employed in microbiological quality control. “We also want to use the oracle to spark interest in practical work with microorganisms,” says Egert.
Ahead of the German national team’s match days, the predictions from the HFU Bacteria Oracle were published on the university’s social media channels. Many media outlets were eager to cover the predictions of this globally unique oracle, including Deutschlandfunk Nova, the Süddeutsche Zeitung, and SWR’s Landesschau. The oracle was correct in three out of four predictions. Unfortunately, this also included the final prediction the German team’s loss to Paraguay in the round of 32. “This loss really hurts, but we’ll definitely be back on the attack at the 2028 European Championship!” says Prof. Egert, adding, “A heartfelt thank you also goes to my colleague Anne Proß for successfully and always promptly producing the oracle plates.”