started making the rounds on social media and already has thousands of Portuguese fans dreaming.
It all comes from a coincidence that, so far, has repeated itself in the last two World Cups.
In Russia 2018, France eliminated Croatia and ended up lifting the champion’s trophy.
Four years later, in Qatar 2022, it was Argentina that knocked out the Croatians… and also ended up winning the World Cup.
Now, in 2026, the team that eliminated Croatia was Portugal.
The coincidence was enough for hundreds of users to start joking that the Portuguese already have the title guaranteed. Some even dared to predict a final against Argentina, while others claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo could end his career by finally lifting the World Cup.
As happens with all World Cup superstitions, there was no shortage of people calling for calm and reminding everyone that statistics are made to be broken. However, others admit that it is hard to ignore a coincidence that has already repeated itself in two consecutive editions.
Social media filled up with comments such as: “Statistics are made to be broken, but the coincidence is curious”, “I’ve been saying all month that Portugal will be champion” and “It would be crazy if it happened again”.
For now, it is still just a simple coincidence, but in a World Cup where superstitions and lucky rituals abound, many fans have already started to wonder whether Croatia has become, unintentionally, the team that points the way to the champion.
What do you think? Is it just a fun coincidence or do you think Portugal really could end up lifting the World Cup?