Space Shuttle Challenger disaster — in-flight breakup of the Challenger space shuttle in US

1986 FIFA World Cup qualification — Series of qualifying tournaments for the 1986 FIFA World Cup

1986 Asian Games — 10th edition of the Asian Games

1986–87 UEFA Cup — 16th season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA

1986 FIBA World Championship — 1986 edition of the FIBA World Championship

1986 Formula One World Championship — sports season

1986 FIFA World Cup — 13th FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico

1986 African Cup of Nations — football tournament

Eurovision Song Contest 1986 — 31st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest

1986 World Men's Handball Championship — 1986 edition of the World Men's Handball Championship

1986 World Women's Handball Championship — 1986 edition of the World Women's Handball Championship