The Simpsons have accurately predicted a number of future events throughout the show's nearly three decade run, including Donald Trump's presidency, Twentieth Century Fox becoming a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. and the U.S. men's curling team beating Sweden in the Winter Olympics.
Now, people are suggesting that a 1997 episode predicted the final of the 2018 World Cup. Although, it seems like a bit of a stretch, as the episode doesn't mention the exact year and there's no real mention of "World Cup."
The episode in question takes place Season 9, and is titled “The Cartridge Family." The events that unfold are sparked by a soccer riot, but prior to that, the Simpsons are seen viewing a television commercial advertising the high-stakes soccer game between Mexico and Portugal.
“This match will determine once and for all which nation is the greatest on Earth: Mexico or Portugal,” the announcer says.
Portugal has already advanced through to the round of 16 and Mexico is likely to follow suit today. Because of the way the fixtures are set up, the only way those two teams could meet would have to be in the World Cup Final.
"Although there is no clear indication of what year the match takes places in, one detail has led viewers to believe that it's the 2018 World Cup final," wrote Portuguese newspaper Eco. "There seems to be a reference to the scandal that recently plagued the Mexican team who allegedly partied with several women before the beginning of the tournament."
Because of this new Simpsons prediction theory, one U.K. bookmaker has reported the number of bets on a Mexico vs Portugal final have reduced the odds from 500/1 to 33/1. According to THR, one bettor at William Hill placed a $1,320 bet on a Mexico vs Portugal World Cup Final, and stands to win $132,000 if it comes to fruition.
Check out The Simpsons clip in question below.
