England's Azteca Return After Four Decades
England will make a historic return to the Azteca Stadium on Monday, facing co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. It marks the Three Lions' first match at the iconic Mexico City venue in 40 years, since their famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, which featured Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'. The Azteca has been the stage for some of England's most memorable – and controversial – matches.
1969: A Drab Debut in Scorching Heat
England first visited the Azteca on 1 June 1969, as reigning world champions, during an end-of-season tour ahead of the 1970 World Cup. In front of 105,000 spectators, they played out a goalless draw against Mexico in stifling midday heat. The match was described as a drab affair, with both sides struggling in the oppressive conditions.
1985: The Aztec 2000 Tournament
England returned to Mexico in June 1985 for the 'Aztec 2000' tournament, also featuring Mexico and West Germany. They also participated in a concurrent competition, the 'Ciudad de México Cup', against Italy. On 6 June 1985, England lost 2-1 to Italy in front of a sparse crowd of just 8,000, with a controversial late penalty by Alessandro Altobelli deciding the match. Three days later, on 9 June, England slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Mexico, piling pressure on manager Bobby Robson. However, on 12 June, England cruised to a 3-0 victory over West Germany, with goals from Bryan Robson and Kerry Dixon, as manager Bobby Robson chatted with his German counterpart Franz Beckenbauer after the match.
1986 World Cup: Lineker's Heroics and Maradona's Magic
England's most famous Azteca matches came during the 1986 World Cup. After a sluggish group stage – losing to Portugal, drawing with Morocco, and beating Poland – they faced Paraguay in the last 16 on 18 June. Gary Lineker scored twice in a 3-0 win, with Peter Beardsley also on target, setting up a quarter-final against Argentina. On 22 June, England and Argentina entered the Azteca cauldron before 114,000 fans, with the match kicking off at noon in energy-sapping heat. The first half was cagey, with hard tackles and few chances, but Maradona began to assert his dominance. In the 51st minute, he punched the ball past Peter Shilton for the infamous 'Hand of God' goal. Referee Ali Bin Nasser awarded the goal despite protests. Maradona later said, 'I knew it was my hand. It wasn't my plan but the action happened so fast.' Four minutes later, Maradona picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled past four defenders, and slotted past Shilton to score what is widely considered the greatest goal in World Cup history. Gary Lineker pulled one back for England late on, but Argentina held on for a 2-1 victory. England manager Bobby Robson fumed after the match: 'It wasn't the hand of God, it was the hand of a rascal. God had nothing to do with it.'
Legacy and Return
The Azteca Stadium has hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986) and remains one of football's most iconic venues. England's 2026 last-16 clash against Mexico marks their first competitive match at the stadium since that fateful 1986 quarter-final. The Three Lions will look to create new memories and potentially exorcise the ghosts of Maradona's handball.
