1986 FIFA World Cup

1986 FIFA World Cup
Year	1986
Other titles	XIII Campeonato Mundial de Fútbol
Country	Mexico
Dates	31 May – 29 June
Num teams	24
Venues	12
Champion	ARG
Second	FRG
Third	FRA
Fourth	BEL
Matches	52
Goals	132
Attendance	2394031
Top scorer	ENG Gary Lineker (6 goals)
Player	ARG Diego Maradona
Prev	1982
Next	1990

1986 FIFA World Cup was the 13th edition of the quadrennial international football championship, held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June 1986. Originally awarded to Colombia, the tournament was relocated to Mexico after the South American nation withdrew due to financial difficulties, making Mexico the first country to host the event twice. The competition is widely remembered for the extraordinary individual performances of Argentina's captain Diego Maradona, who led his nation to victory in the final against West Germany.

Background and Host Selection

The hosting rights for the 1986 tournament were initially awarded to Colombia by FIFA in 1974. However, by 1982, the Colombian government, led by President Belisario Betancur, declared it could not meet the financial commitments required, citing economic constraints. This sudden withdrawal prompted FIFA to urgently seek a new host. The United States, Canada, and Mexico all expressed interest, with Mexico's existing infrastructure from hosting the 1970 FIFA World Cup proving decisive. The Mexican Football Federation successfully secured the bid, though the selection was soon overshadowed by a devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake in September 1985, which raised serious concerns about the nation's preparedness.

Qualification

A total of 121 nations entered the qualification process, competing for 24 spots alongside the host nation, Mexico, and the defending champions, Italy. The European qualifying groups saw strong performances from traditional powers like West Germany, France, and England, while Denmark qualified for the first time since 1970. From CONMEBOL, Argentina and Uruguay progressed comfortably. Notable absentees included the Netherlands and the Soviet Union, while Iraq and Canada made their debut appearances on the world stage.

Venues

Matches were staged across nine cities in twelve stadiums, all located at significant altitude, which influenced playing conditions. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which also hosted the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final, was the centerpiece, staging the opening match, both semi-finals, and the final. Other key venues included the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, and the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey. The Estadio Nemesio Díez in Toluca was the highest venue at over 2,600 meters above sea level. Extensive renovations were undertaken following the 1985 earthquake to ensure safety and capacity.

Format and Teams

The tournament retained the format introduced in 1982, with 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed finishers, advanced to a knockout round of 16. The seeded teams included Italy, Mexico, France, Brazil, West Germany, and England. The draw, conducted in Mexico City, produced intriguing groups, such as Group F containing England, Portugal, Poland, and Morocco.

Tournament Summary

The group stage produced several surprises, with Denmark's "Danish Dynamite" thrilling fans and Morocco becoming the first African nation to top a World Cup group. The knockout phase, however, was defined by drama and controversy. In the quarter-final between Argentina and England at Estadio Azteca, Diego Maradona scored both the infamous "Hand of God" goal and the sublime "Goal of the Century" minutes apart. West Germany and France navigated tough matches against Mexico and Brazil, respectively, to set up a semi-final clash, while Belgium edged past Spain on penalties.

Final and Aftermath

The final was held on 29 June 1986 at a packed Estadio Azteca before over 114,000 spectators. Argentina, led by Diego Maradona, faced a disciplined West Germany side managed by Franz Beckenbauer. Argentina took a 2-0 lead through goals from José Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano. West Germany mounted a fierce comeback, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Völler scoring to level the match. With seven minutes remaining, Maradona's brilliant through-ball found Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal to secure a 3-2 victory and Argentina's second World Cup title. In the third-place match, France defeated Belgium 4-2 after extra time.

Legacy

The 1986 World Cup is indelibly linked to the genius of Diego Maradona, whose performances, particularly against England, cemented his status as one of football's greatest players. The tournament showcased the increasing global reach of the sport, with strong showings from teams like Denmark and Morocco. It also highlighted the tactical evolution of the game, with the knockout stages featuring intense, dramatic encounters. The successful staging by Mexico, despite initial adversity, reinforced FIFA's confidence in the nation's organizational capabilities. The event's cultural impact was significant, with the official song, "A Special Kind of Hero", and the mascot, "Pique", becoming enduring symbols of a tournament remembered for its passion and unforgettable moments.

Category:FIFA World Cup Category:1986 in association football Category:International association football competitions hosted by Mexico Category:1986 in Mexican sport