1986 FIFA World Cup

Lore & Background

Colombia was originally chosen as host in June 1974 but withdrew in November 1982 due to economic reasons. Mexico was selected as the replacement host in May 1983. The tournament saw the first appearances of Canada, Denmark, and Iraq. The format changed from 1982: the final pair of matches in each group started simultaneously, and the second round was a knockout stage rather than groups. The defending champions Italy were eliminated by France in the round of 16. The Mexican wave was popularised worldwide during this tournament.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the Estadio Azteca, casting long shadows across the pitch where the grass had been freshly cut to a precise emerald. In the stands, ninety thousand voices formed a single, trembling chord. Hugo Sánchez stood at the penalty spot, the ball at his feet, the weight of a nation's six decades of longing pressing against his shoulders. He took a breath, felt the cool June air fill his lungs, and struck. The net rippled. The stadium detonated. Strangers embraced in the upper tiers, a child on a father's shoulders screamed into the night, and somewhere in the technical area, El Flaco González allowed himself a single, quiet nod. For three minutes, Mexico was the centre of the footballing universe, and no one in that stadium wanted the moment to end.

Reader's Guide

The 24 qualified teams were divided into six groups of four (A to F). The top two teams and the four best third-place finishers advanced to a knockout round of 16. Eleven cities hosted the tournament, with twelve stadiums used, including two in Mexico City. Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosted nine matches, including the final. The hot, humid, and rainy summer weather varied, with high altitude being a major challenge for players; Mexico City is 7,380 feet above sea level.

Did You Know?

• Mexico became the first nation to host two World Cups, having also hosted in 1970.
• Argentina beat West Germany 3–2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.
• Diego Maradona scored five goals and created five more for teammates during the tournament.
• Canada, Denmark, and Iraq made their first World Cup appearances in 1986.
• The tournament was played during the United Nations International Year of Peace, with advertising boards displaying 'Football for Peace – Peace Year'.