The Simpsons fans have been bringing up a “prediction” the show made about Mexico making it to the final of the FIFA World Cup, which now cannot come true following their elimination at the hands of England.

Mexico are the co-hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside the USA and Canada, with the World Cup Final being held at the New York/New Jersey stadium on July 19. In the early hours of this morning (Monday July 6), they welcomed England to their home ground, the foreboding Azteca Stadium.

Despite substantial local support, they lost to the Three Lions 3-2 in a hotly contested match, with England captain Harry Kane scoring the winning goal following two goals from Jude Bellingham.

The result means the hosts head home, but also failed to fulfil the prophesy set by The Simpsons’ 1997 episode The Cartridge Family (season nine, episode five). In it, the family are watching TV when a commercial for a football match happening near them held by the Continental Soccer Association, which will “determine once and for all which is nation is the greatest on Earth: Mexico or Portugal?”

The scene is a satire of how historically Americans have not embraced soccer as much as their home-grown sports, and does not mention 2026 or the FIFA World Cup specifically. However, a match to determine the greatest nation on Earth held in the US was enough for some to see it as a prediction that Mexico and Portugal were heading for the final. Sadly for them, it was not to be.

Portugal are still in the tournament, playing European champions Spain today at 8pm BST, while England will face Norway in the Quarter Finals on Saturday (July 11) at 10pm BST.

One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Those Simpsons guys lied to us about Portugal vs Mexico. It’s not looking good Ronaldo nation”.

Another was more hopeful. “THE SIMPSONS WERE WRONG” they wrote. “But maybe just about portugal vs mexico…. maybe Portugal will still be in the finals. A girl can hope.”

One saw the funny side, writing: “This Simpsons prediction really gave a certain fan base hope. Mexico is out of the WC.”

Finally, one asserted: “The Simpsons has failed for the first time ever. We are not going to have a Mexico vs Portugal final…not in this life time. This world cup is England’s!”

The long-running animation is known for making uncanny “predictions” about the future, including Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, and the presidency of Donald Trump.

As for England, Liam Gallagher took to social media to react to the players and fans singing the Oasis classic ‘Wonderwall’ together following the victory, as well as boasting about almost predicting the score.

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