Airing since 1989, The Simpsons has produced hundreds of episodes.
In addition to being arguably the world’s favourite animated sitcom, the show has further risen in popularity of late due to it’s seemingly unbelievable ability to “predict the future”.
The show has managed to predict several notable events with remarkable accuracy, such as Donald Trump becoming US President (aired in 2000), Disney’s take-over of FOX (aired in 1998), modern technology allowing users to wear smart watches and video call each other (aired in 1995) and event the invention of a Richard Branson-style commercial space flight (aired in 2014).
Other stunning predictions include the US Men’s curling team winning Olympic Gold (aired in 2010), an aerial stunt taking place in the Super Bowl (aired in 2012), references to the existance of a “god particle” in physics (aired in 1998) and also the existence of virtual reality headsets in modern times.
Naturally, it won’t be long until the show ends up predicting something about world football’s most prestigious tournament, the FIFA World Cup, and there is actually a more than decent chance of such a coincidence taking place in 2026.
An episode named “The Cartridge Family” which aired in 1997 shows the lead character Homer Simpson and his wife, Marge, head to a crowded stadium to attend a football match between Mexico and Portugal, with the winner declared “the greatest on Earth”.
Coincidentally, the clip also depicts the game being heavily advertised in the fictional town of Springfield, which is depicted to be somewhere in the United States.
Therefore, the setting aligns with this year’s World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, the original episode did not make any references to the FIFA World Cup, the year 2026, or the game between the two nations being a final.
Nevertheless, after the first round of games unfolded, the clip suddenly gained traction on social media, and with good reason.
In order for The Simpsons’ prediction to come true, Mexico would have to finish top of their group, while Portugal finish second.
With both the sides already placed on the opposite sides of the knockout bracket, they can only face each other if both make it to the final.
Keeping an eye on the results so far, there is a good chance that ends up being the case at the end of the group stage.
Mexico, have already secured first place in Group A after beating South Africa and South Korea in their first two fixtures.
Portugal, on the other hand, shockingly drew their tournament opener against DR Congo.
Despite boasting one of the most well-rounded teams on paper, the Portuguese failed to register a shot on target after Joao Neves opened the scoring in the 6th minute.
Colombia claimed three points in their fixture against Uzbekistan, putting them in the driving seat in Group K.
Mexico’s next challenge comes in the form of the Czech Republic, who they will face at the Mexico City Stadium.
Portugal, meanwhile, will travel to Houston for a hugely important clash against Uzbekistan. Should they fail to claim three points once again, it will almost certainly put first place in the group out of reach.
If all events fall in place and the prediction ultimately comes true, it wouldn’t be the first time the show has precisely predicted events related to football.
In 2014, an episode named “You Don’t Have to Live Like a Referee” showed Germany beating Brazil.
A few months later, Die Mannschaft famously beat the Selecao 7-1 in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup, before ultimately winning the tournament.
The same episode also showed high-ranking football officials being arrested for corruption, and similar events played out when the FIFA corruption scandal broke out in 2015.
