Fact-checkers confirmed viral claims that The Simpsons predicted Portugal winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup are fabricated.
The rumor traces to a 1997 episode depicting a fictional soccer match that never named a World Cup final, Cristiano Ronaldo or Portugal as champion.
Edited screenshots and captioned clips circulated after tournament hype built online, omitting context that the scene was generic comedy.
Snopes-style reviewers matched the footage to the original broadcast, finding no reference to the 2026 host cycle.
Analysts said nostalgia memes about the animated series often mutate into false sports prophecies during global tournaments.
The tournament features 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
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Sources:
Fact Check: No, The Simpsons Did Not Predict Portugal Winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup