The Simpsons Predicted the 2026 World Cup Final Between Mexico and Portugal? We Check.

A viral theory circulating on social media claims a 1997 episode of The Simpsons accurately predicted the 2026 World Cup final would feature Mexico and Portugal. The episode, "The Cartridge Family," shows a fictional match between the two nations, igniting online speculation.

Fans point to the episode's reference to the tournament returning to the United States, mirroring the 2026 host nation. The recent performances of Mexico and Portugal, advancing to the knockout stages, have fueled this theory. Both teams are on opposite sides of the 2026 tournament bracket, meaning they could only meet in the final.

However, the article notes that the episode never explicitly labels the depicted match as the official FIFA World Cup final. Some internet users suggest it might have been a friendly game created to promote American brands, questioning the accuracy of the prediction's interpretation. The article also briefly mentions Mexico's upcoming Round of 16 match against England.