Since The Simpsons writers always find a way to predict things many years before it actually happens, fans have dug up an old episode of the show that some think may just predict the outcome of this year’s World Cup.
In the 1997 episode “The Cartridge Family,” Mexico and Portugal play in a soccer match to determine the greatest nation on Earth.
Portugal has already clinched its spot in the Round of 16, while Mexico, holding a significant lead in the Group F table, can seal the deal against Sweden on Friday. This could happen! Portugal, of course, has Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way; Mexico has been consistent if unexceptional in recent tournament history, but a rash of young players may just provide the spark they need.
It may seem like a tenuous link, but let’s just remember here, The Simpsons is eternally prescient. The show has made many more predictions than just a soccer final, whether it’s the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas or Olympic gold in curling for the U.S. men’s team.
We’ll see if Portugal and Mexico can pull the thing off. If they do, though, there’s going to be a lot riding on it, because you better believe that fans will buy into this ‘greatest nation on Earth’ bit.
