A viral post on social media is claiming that the famous animated TV show The Simpsons predicted a FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Mexico and Portugal . Many users are sharing an old screenshot from the show as proof.
However, after checking the facts, the claim is false because the show never mentioned the 2026 World Cup directly.
What Is the Viral Claim regarding FIFA World Cup 2026?
The viral image shows a TV advertisement from The Simpsons talking about a football match between Mexico and Portugal. Many people online are saying this scene predicted the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Which Episode Is Being Shared?
The screenshot comes from an episode called The Simpsons titled "The Cartridge Family," which aired in 1997. In the episode, a TV commercial promotes a soccer match between Mexico and Portugal to decide "which nation is the greatest on earth."
Did the Show Mention World Cup 2026?
No, the episode never mentioned the year 2026 or the FIFA World Cup. The scene only showed a fictional football match in the city of Springfield. There was no prediction about a future World Cup final.
Why Does This Claim Keep Returning?
The same screenshot has gone viral many times before. It was also shared during the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Because the episode never gave a year, many people continue to connect it with new tournaments.
What Did The Simpsons Writers Say?
Writers of The Simpsons have already said many so-called predictions are only coincidences. Writer Al Jean explained that after making hundreds of episodes, some events may look similar to real life by chance.
Final Fact Check Verdict
The viral claim is false. The Simpsons did not predict a World Cup 2026 final between Mexico and Portugal. The old scene is simply being reused online without real evidence.