With England and Argentina set to face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, attention is returning to the legendary 1986 quarter-final showdown. That match at Estadio Azteca remains a hallmark of football history, defined by two contrasting goals from Diego Maradona.
In the 51st minute, Maradona famously used his left hand to knock the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Despite strong protests from the English squad, referee Ali Bin Nasser and his assistant, Bogdan Dochev, allowed the goal. Both officials later clarified that their positioning and the era’s strict FIFA rules regarding assistant input prevented them from overturning the decision. Years later, Maradona even gifted a signed shirt to Bin Nasser, calling him a friend.
Only four minutes after that controversial moment, Maradona proved his immense skill by embarking on a legendary solo run. He navigated past five English players and Shilton to net what is now officially recognized by FIFA as the Goal of the Century. Maradona had reportedly told his masseur, Salvatore Carmando, before the match that he intended to score a spectacular goal, a promise he fulfilled shortly after the strike.
Argentina eventually won that game 2-1 and secured the World Cup title. As the two teams prepare for their upcoming 2026 clash, the memory of that 1986 performance remains a defining chapter in their storied football rivalry.
