In many ways, the
1986 World Cup can be regarded as the precursor to the modern era of football’s
biggest tournament. This applies not only to the competition format but also to
other features that have since become common, such as the emergence of dark
horses capable of reaching the semi-finals and the frequent surprises that
characterize the finals today.
Originally, the 1986
edition was not supposed to be hosted by Mexico. FIFA had awarded the
tournament to Colombia in 1974. However, the South American nation withdrew in1983 due to financial constraints. Colombia was only willing to stage a 16-team
tournament, while FIFA had already expanded the competition to 24 teams
beginning with Spain 1982. As a result, the world governing body quickly sought
a replacement host. Three CONCACAF nations submitted bids: the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. Ultimately, Mexico was selected.
1986 World Cup Facts and Trivia
Compared to other
editions, the 1986 tournament may not boast as many remarkable stories.
Nevertheless, several noteworthy facts emerged from Mexico’s second time
hosting the World Cup:
- The tournament was briefly threatened by
the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico in September 1985.
Fortunately, none of the stadiums suffered major damage, allowing the
World Cup to proceed as planned.
- Denmark, Canada, and Iraq made their
World Cup debuts.
- Morocco became the first African nation
to advance beyond the group stage of a World Cup.
- Portugal was plagued by internal
turmoil, including player strike threats, conflicts with sponsors,
accommodation disputes, disciplinary issues, and doping controversies. The
episode became known as the “Saltillo Affair” and contributed to their
failure to reach the Round of 16.
- The high-altitude locations of many
Mexican host cities raised concerns among European teams.
- The famous crowd phenomenon known as the
“Mexican Wave” originated during this tournament.
Maradona Takes Center Stage
The 1986 World Cup
produced numerous memorable moments. There were the surprise performances of
Denmark and Morocco in the group stage, the goal-filled Round of 16 clash
between Belgium and the Soviet Union, Belgium’s remarkable run to the
semi-finals under Jan Ceulemans, Manuel Negrete’s spectacular bicycle-kick goal
for the hosts, and the disappointing title defense of Italy.
Yet, like every
great film, all of these events served merely as supporting acts to the
tournament’s central figure: Diego Maradona.
Maradona almost
single-handedly guided Argentina to their second World Cup title, finishing the
tournament with five goals and five assists. In the quarter-final against
England, he scored two of the most iconic goals in football history, perfectly
encapsulating the dual nature of “El Dios” as a footballing demi-god: the
infamous “Hand of God” goal and the breathtaking solo effort later voted FIFA’s
Goal of the Century in 2000.
After eliminating
Uruguay in the Round of 16 and Belgium in the semi-finals, Maradona’s magic
continued in the final. Argentina faced West Germany, who had battled past
Morocco, Mexico, and France in the knockout stages. Despite being closely
marked by Lothar Matthäus and the German defense, Maradona still played a
decisive role as Argentina secured a dramatic 3–2 victory in one of the
greatest World Cup finals ever played.
Mexico 1986
ultimately became the stage on which the captain of La Albiceleste cemented his
status as a football legend.
Top Scorer: Gary Lineker
(England) – 6 goals
Best Player: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Best Young Player: Enzo Scifo
(Belgium)
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