Argentina won their second World Cup title in Mexico, with Diego Maradona scoring both the 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' in the same match against England.
Key Facts
- Tournament edition
- 13th FIFA World Cup
- Dates
- 31 May – 29 June 1986
- Total attendance
- 2,394,031
- Average attendance per match
- 46,039
- Final score
- Argentina 3–2 West Germany
- Teams in tournament
- 24
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Colombia was originally chosen to host the 1986 World Cup but resigned in November 1982 due largely to economic difficulties. Mexico was selected as replacement host in May 1983, becoming the first nation to host the tournament twice, having previously staged the 1970 edition.
The 1986 FIFA World Cup was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June, contested by 24 national teams across six groups. Argentina, captained by Diego Maradona, advanced through the knockout rounds, with Maradona scoring five goals and creating five more, including the infamous 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' in the quarter-final against England.
Argentina defeated West Germany 3–2 in the final at the Estadio Azteca to claim their second World Cup title. The tournament also popularised the Mexican wave spectator phenomenon globally, and Canada, Denmark, and Iraq made their first-ever World Cup final stage appearances.
Result
at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City