As England prepares to face Mexico in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, the ghosts of past encounters linger, particularly the infamous 'Hand of God' moment by Diego Maradona in 1986.
Why it matters: This match marks England's return to the Estadio Azteca, where a controversial goal altered their World Cup history. Both teams carry decades of tournament heartbreak, making this clash deeply emotional.
Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' goal against England during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, a moment that has haunted English fans for decades.
The referee, Tunisia's Ali Bin Nasser, failed to see the handball, allowing the goal to stand and paving the way for Argentina's victory.
England's last match at the Azteca ended in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, a loss that has shaped their World Cup narrative.
Mexico's own World Cup history is filled with near misses, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to West Germany in 1986.
Driving the news: England's upcoming match against Mexico on June 29, 2026, is set to evoke memories of the 1986 quarterfinal, where Maradona's controversial goal overshadowed an otherwise competitive match.
Maradona's first goal in that match was described as a handball, which he later dubbed as 'a bit with the head of Maradona, a bit with the hand of God.'
His second goal, known as the 'goal of the century,' showcased his incredible skill as he dribbled past multiple defenders before scoring.
Peter Shilton, England's goalkeeper during the 1986 match, has expressed mixed feelings about the incident but is ready to put the past behind him.
State of play: As the match approaches, both teams are preparing under intense scrutiny, with England facing challenges due to altitude and heat at the Azteca.
The Azteca Stadium stands at approximately 7,350 feet above sea level, presenting a unique challenge for players not accustomed to such conditions.
Shilton noted that England had a month to acclimatize during the 1986 tournament, whereas the current team has limited preparation time.
England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the significance of playing in such an iconic venue against a passionate home crowd.
The big picture: Both England and Mexico have storied histories of World Cup heartbreak, making this matchup particularly poignant.
England's history includes several controversial moments, including the 1990 semifinal loss to West Germany and the 1998 round of 16 exit against Argentina.
Mexico's World Cup struggles are highlighted by repeated failures to advance past the round of 16, with notable losses in 1986, 2002, and 2014.
This match presents an opportunity for both teams to confront their past failures and possibly rewrite their narratives on the world stage.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both sides have shared their thoughts on the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of overcoming historical challenges.
Shilton expressed his readiness to move past the 'Hand of God' moment, stating, "I’ve put the beef to bed because it’s 40 years now."
Tuchel remarked on the significance of playing at the Azteca, saying, "We will play against the whole country, against the energy of the whole country, in their stadium."
Mexican players are eager to leverage home-field advantage, hoping to break their round of 16 curse.
By the numbers: The statistics surrounding both teams highlight their struggles and successes in World Cup history.
England's last World Cup victory came in 1966, and since then, they have faced numerous early exits and controversies.
Mexico has reached the quarterfinals twice, in 1970 and 1986, but has never advanced beyond that stage.
In the 1986 quarterfinal against Argentina, Maradona scored two goals within four minutes, sealing England's fate.
What's next: The match on June 29, 2026, will likely be a thrilling encounter filled with emotion and historical significance.
Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and learn from past mistakes as they vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Fans from both nations are expected to fill the stands, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium.
As England and Mexico prepare to clash, the legacy of the 'Hand of God' continues to loom large over their World Cup journeys.