The 13th FIFA World Cup was held in Mexico despite Colombia originally being chosen in June 1974. In 1982 the Colombian authorities declared that they could not afford to host the World Cup under the terms dictated by FIFA. After further bids from Canada, USA and Mexico, FIFA selected Mexico as replacement hosts in May 1983.
Mexico 1986 was the second 24-team format that became memorable for two goals against England for different reasons. One was voted ‘Goal of the Century’ the other was known as the “Hand of God” a blatant hand-ball that resulted in England being knocked out at the Quarter-Final stage and Argentina went on to lift the World Cup.
Maradona later said, "I was waiting for my teammates to embrace me, and no one came... I told them, 'Come hug me, or the referee isn't going to allow it.’”
The 1986 World Cup saw the first appearance of a crowd phenomenon which continues to be popular today called the ‘Mexican Wave’.
Gary Lineker won the Golden Boot as the tournaments top scorer with 6 goals.
The final was held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City where Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 to lift their second World Cup. Opened in 1966 and renovated prior to the World Cup and with a capacity of 105, 064, it is the third largest stadium in the American continent, the fifth largest in the world and the largest association football-specific stadium in the world.
Source: DSG
