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The belief that The Simpsons can predict the future has become something of a pop culture phenomenon over the years.
Frequently cited successful predictions include foretelling the Donald Trump presidency, the censorship of Michaelangelo’s David, Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, and the 2015 FIFA corruption scandal.
There were even viral posts this year suggesting that the show had warned viewers about Epstein island as far back as 2000.
Now, a viral claim circulating on social media alleges that The Simpsons predicted the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a 1997 episode titled “The Cartridge Family”.
In the Season 9 episode, a TV ad promotes a football – sorry, “soccer” – match to determine “which nation is the greatest on Earth”. The game sees Mexico facing off against Portugal.
Many have run with this as evidence that the show’s hot streak of premonitions about actual real-life events continues.
In reality, the clip is real, but the claim is fake.
The segment in the 1997 episode does not mention the year 2026, nor does it make reference to the FIFA World Cup.
Also, the identical claim citing “The Cartridge Family” previously circulated during both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. It seems to have gained more momentum this year simply because Mexico is one of the host nations – as well as the fact current fixtures could see both teams face off in the final.
There is also no reference to Cristiano Ronaldo in the episode, as many as asserting online… And for good reason, since Ronaldo was 12 years old when the episode aired.
In case you were wondering, The Simpsons’ Mexico vs Portugal match is so tedious that the Springfield crowd riots and no winner is shown.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey on Sunday 19 July. Expect mayhem online if it does turn out to be Mexico vs Portugal.