Maradona's illegal handball goal against England in 1986 became one of football's most controversial moments, later framed by Maradona as revenge for the Falklands War.
Key Facts
- Match date
- 22 June 1986
- Tournament stage
- Quarterfinal, 1986 FIFA World Cup
- Final score
- Argentina 2–1 England
- Minutes between goals
- 4 minutes after Hand of God
- Hand used
- Left hand
- Argentina World Cup win
- Second title overall
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, played against the backdrop of lingering tensions from the 1982 Falklands War, Maradona attempted to reach a lofted ball in the England penalty area. The opportunity arose from a miscued clearance, leaving the ball in the air near Maradona and England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Maradona punched the ball into England's net with his left hand in the 51st minute, giving Argentina a 1–0 lead. None of the match officials detected the handball, and the goal was allowed to stand. When questioned afterward, Maradona described it as scored 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God,' coining the phrase that named the incident.
Argentina went on to win the match 2–1 and ultimately claimed their second World Cup title. The goal became one of the most debated in football history. Maradona later admitted the deliberate handball and called it 'symbolic revenge' for Britain's victory in the Falklands War, adding a geopolitical dimension to what was already a deeply controversial sporting moment.