The Simpons has become famous for its uncanny ability to seemingly predict real-world events, often years before they happen. While many of these “predictions” are the result of clever satire, coincidence, or educated guesses by the writers, a number of instances have stood out as particularly notable. Here are some of the most widely recognized predictions:
There is no evidence that The Simpsons predicted that Portugal would win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The viral claim that the show predicted a Mexico vs Portugal final or specifically a Portuguese victory – at the 2026 World Cup is false. This rumor stems from a scene in the 1997 episode “The Cartridge Family,” where a fictional soccer match between Mexico and Portugal is advertised as taking place in Springfield. However, the episode does not mention the year, the World Cup, or the outcome of the match. The scene is simply a fictional TV commercial and not a prediction tied to any real event.
The Simpsons’ Two Major World Predictions
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Donald Trump’s Presidency
One of the most famous predictions from The Simpsons is Donald Trump becoming President of the United States. In the 2000 episode “Bart to the Future,” Lisa Simpson mentions inheriting “quite a budget crunch from President Trump,” years before Trump entered politics or announced his candidacy. This prediction came true when Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential election and is widely cited as one of the show’s most uncanny forecasts.
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World War III or U.S. – China Conflict
The Simpsons has alluded to large-scale global conflict, including a possible World War III. In a 1987 short, Homer wakes the family claiming World War III has begun, a scenario that has gained renewed attention amid rising global tensions. Additionally, the show has depicted a future where the U.S. faces a significant military and economic crisis involving China, with Lisa inheriting a “massive debt to China” as President after Trump’s term. Some fans interpret these storylines as predictions of escalating U.S.-China tensions or even outright conflict.
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Fact Check: The Simpsons did not predicted that Portugal would win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The specific episode featuring a reference to the Mexico vs Portugal match did not specify the year of the event, contributing to its ongoing circulation.
